Japan vs South Africa
2019 Rugby World Cup quarter-final
Venue: Tokyo Stadium
Date: Sunday, 20 October, 2019
Kick-off: 11:15am BST
Host nation Japan have a tall order ahead if they are to continue their World Cup fairytale as they meet South Africa for a place in the last four in Tokyo on Sunday.
The Brave Blossoms will be looking to call on the spirit of 2015 as they look for an upset that would surpass even their miraculous victory over the Springboks in Brighton four years ago.
A bonus-point win over Scotland on the final day of the pool stage saw Japan finish top of Group A, avoiding a clash with New Zealand in the process.
South Africa’s only defeat in the tournament so far came against the All Blacks, but they have won three on the bounce since then, and are currently second favourites to win the entire competition.
Team news and line-ups
South Africa
South Africa have reverted back to the team that trounced Italy two weeks ago.
The Springboks - revealing their line-up a day earlier than expected - switch to a more familiar starting XV after making 13 changes for the 66-7 thrashing of Pool B minnows Canada in Kobe.
Only captain Siya Kolisi and inside centre Damian de Allende retain their starting berths following that match.
Rassie Erasmus opts for a monster pack with only two backs on the bench as he looks to nullify Japan's pace.
12 of the South Africa XV also started in the 41-7 win over Japan in a World Cup warm-up contest in Kumagaya six weeks ago.
South Africa XV: Le Roux; Kolbe, Am, De Allende, Mapimpi; Pollard, De Klerk; Mtawarira, Mbonambi, Malherbe; Etzebeth, De Jager; Kolisi, Du Toit, Vermeulen
Replacements: Marx, Kitshoff, Koch, Snyman, Mostert, Louw, H Jantjies, Steyn
Japan
The hosts are due to name their team on Friday, so watch this space.
Japan XV: TBC
Replacements: TBC
Score prediction: Japan 21-37 South Africa
What a thrill it would be if the hosts could keep this incredible story rolling.
The Springboks should prove one step too far, though.
Betting tips via Betfair | UK users only | Subject to change
Match odds
- Japan to win: 4/1
- Draw: 50/1
- South Africa to win: 1/6
Click here to find the latest match odds and place a bet.
TV channel and live stream, and online coverage
The match will be televised live on ITV1 and ITV1 HD with build-up starting at 10:45am.
TV license payers can also stream the match online via the ITV website and the ITV Hub.
You can also follow all the action with Standard Sport's LIVE blog.
Head to Head record and history (h2h)
The two sides have met just twice before, the first being Japan's famous 34-32 triumph in the pool stage of the last World Cup.
However, South Africa recorded a comprehensive win in the most recent meeting, with a 41-7 triumph last month.
