‘Amanaki Lelei Mafi's scoring pass makes RWC history [1]
Tuesday, September 22, 2015 - 16:14. Updated on Monday, February 29, 2016 - 10:57.
When Japan’s Brave Blossoms had its sensational 34-32 victory over two-time Rugby World Cup champion South Africa in their opening match at Brighton, UK, on Saturday, 19 September it was the big Tongan forward ‘Amanaki Lelei Mafi who stood out by providing the winning pass that secured the biggest RWC upset so far.
Replacement wing Karne Hesketh made the late try to win Japan’s second-ever victory in RWC history. The role of two Tongans in the team was appreciated by the Japanese fans who shared the impressive teamwork on an RWC youtube clip.
Another Tongan on the Japanese team is back-row 42 caps Ryu Koliniasi Holani.
Win
The Japan Times reported that its national team's sensational victory gave coach Eddie Jones the win he craved and will ensure his side will no longer be regarded as a joke.
Japan’s captain Michael Leitch’s decision to forego a kick goal in the dying seconds that could have earned his side a draw had most Japanese fans in the stadium pulling their hair in disbelief.
But his courage was vindicated when Hesketh dived over minutes later to seal what many are saying is the greatest sporting upset ever.
But Leitch’s fearlessness was nothing compared to the bravery shown by the man who provided the scoring pass, 'Amanaki Mafi (25).
In December last year, he was lying in a hospital bed wondering if he would ever play rugby again after dislocating his hip.
He made a miraculous recovery, and 40 minutes of club rugby for NTT Communications Shining Arcs was enough to persuade Jones the big No.8 was a fit.
Mafi marked his return to test match rugby with a last minute try as Japan pipped Georgia in its final warm-up game, before taking centre stage when he came off the bench in the 45th minute against South Africa on Saturday.
Time and time again he caused problems for the Springboks with his power and pace before a good handoff and a well-timed pass put Hesketh away for the try heard around the world.
“Even when I had the serious injury I always stayed positive to do what I did and do the Japan way,” he said after Sunday’s training session at Brighton College.
When asked what the Japan way meant to him, he said: “We didn’t want to draw. If we lose we can lose, Japan Way is all about playing for the win. That’s why we made the decision to go for the try and get the five points.”
Mafi said the feeling when Hesketh scored was unlike anything he had experienced in his life.
“I just sat down after the game, thanked God and thought how making the decision to play for Japan (instead of Tonga) was the best decision I ever made in my life.”
Hesketh also had high praise for the man who made the scoring pass.
“He has raw talent, raw power and speed. He is a huge prospect for Japanese rugby.”
The team's next game in Pool B is on Wednesday is against Scotland in Gloucester.
Mafi has been named to replace Hendrik Tui at number 8, with Tui dropping to the bench.
“Mafi impressed as a replacement against South Africa, making the most metres and beating the most defenders of any Japanese forward, despite taking to the pitch in only the 45th minute, stated RWC website.
Japan v South Africa
South Africa (12) 32 |
Tries: Louw, Du Plessis, De Jager, Strauss Cons: Lambie 2, Pollard Pens: Lambie, Pollard |
Japan (10) 34 |
Tries: Leitch, Goromaru, Hesketh Cons: Goromaru 2 Pens: Goromaru 5 |