Get ready for a rugby showdown that promises to be nothing short of historic! On November 1st, Wembley Stadium will witness a clash of titans as Eddie Jones’ Japan takes on Rassie Erasmus’ South Africa, two teams with a rivalry that’s as fiery as it is fascinating. But here’s where it gets even more intriguing: this isn’t just any match—it’s a rematch of one of the most jaw-dropping upsets in rugby history, the ‘Miracle of Brighton’ from the 2015 World Cup, where Japan, under Jones’ leadership, stunned the two-time world champions South Africa. And this is the part most people miss: this will only be the fourth time these two nations have faced off, with their last encounter in London happening over a decade ago.
The Springboks, fresh from their World Cup triumphs in 2019 and 2023, are no strangers to dominance. But Japan, often seen as underdogs, have been steadily climbing the global rugby ladder, thanks in no small part to Jones’ unconventional and innovative coaching style. Is this the moment Japan proves they’re no longer just a ‘sideshow’? Or will South Africa reaffirm their status as the kings of the rugby world? The stakes are high, and the drama is guaranteed.
Jones himself has dubbed this match a ‘celebration game,’ a nod to that unforgettable 2015 victory that put Japan on the map. But don’t be fooled by the festive label—this game is serious business. South Africa has won the last two World Cups by sticking to their roots, playing a hard, physical, and unforgiving style of rugby. Meanwhile, Japan has been experimenting, trying to blend their traditional game with a more dynamic, entertaining approach. But here’s the controversial question: does entertaining rugby always lead to winning rugby? Jones seems to think not, quipping, ‘If you want to be entertained, go watch Oasis at Wembley.’ Ouch. But he’s got a point—rugby is as much about the raw, intoxicating contest as it is about the spectacle.
Speaking of spectacle, let’s talk about Rassie Erasmus. Known for his ‘creative’—some might say cunning—tactics, Erasmus is the kind of coach who’s always looking for an edge. Rumor has it he’s been known to bug opposition dressing rooms and leave fake game plans lying around. True or not, it’s this kind of outside-the-box thinking that makes him a formidable opponent. Jones, no stranger to controversy himself, admires Erasmus’ love for the game, even if he’s not entirely sure what to believe about those stories. But here’s the real question: does this kind of gamesmanship elevate rugby, or does it cross the line?
Off the field, the camaraderie between Jones and Erasmus is as intriguing as their rivalry. Jones insists Erasmus bring a bottle of red wine to their pre-match get-together—a tradition that speaks volumes about their mutual respect. But make no mistake, once the whistle blows, all bets are off. For Japan, this match is a chance to measure themselves against the best in the world. As Jones puts it, ‘These are the games you remember for the rest of your life.’
So, what do you think? Can Japan pull off another miracle, or will South Africa’s dominance continue? And more importantly, does rugby need to be entertaining to be great, or is the raw contest enough? Let us know in the comments—this is one debate that’s sure to spark some fiery opinions!
