Japan loss musn’t haunt the Boks

South African rugby’s lowest moment – their loss to Japan at the 2015 World Cup – is set to be retold on the big screen.

Award-winning Australian director Max Mannix will tell the story of arguably world rugby’s greatest upset in the Miracle of Brighton, which saw the Springboks lose 32-34 following a last-gasp try from Karne Hesketh. Filming is expected to start in January.

Eddie Jones, the former Wallaby and now England coach, led the Brave Blossoms to their biggest triumph three years ago. “What Eddie Jones and his team did in 2015 was truly magnificent and worthy of being remembered,” said Mannix.

“The story goes beyond rugby in the same way Chariots of Fire wasn’t just about running. That was more a film about the distinction between class, belief and religion.

“No one gave the Japan team a chance against SA who, at the time, were the most successful Rugby World Cup team in history. The result was celebrated around the world. I want to try and show why it happened and where did the self-belief come from?”

It’s hardly something the Springboks would have wanted to be reminded of as they wrap up their preparations to face the world champion All Blacks at Loftus this weekend.

Let’s hope they don’t pay much attention to it as they look to record back-to-back wins over their traditional foes, following last month’s inspiring win in Wellington.

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