One of the Boks’ most embarrassing moments ever is becoming a movie!
An award-winning Aussie director wants to remind the world of the dark day SA lost to Japan in the 2015 World Cup.
Karne Hesketh of Japan celebrates scoring the winning try during the 2015 Rugby World Cup Pool B match between South Africa and Japan at the Brighton Community Stadium on September 19, 2015 in Brighton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images)
First there was Invictus, the Hollywood blockbuster about the Springboks’ momentous, Madiba-inspired 1995 World Cup.
Now, the Boks’ biggest embarrassment will be retold on the big screen – at least in Japan.
Kyondo News on Wednesday reported that Japan’s miracle victory over South Africa in the 2015 World Cup is being made into a movie, aptly named the “Miracle of Brighton”.
The “Brave Blossoms”, coached then by England mentor Eddie Jones, shook local rugby to the core and delighted neutrals after they secured a thrilling 34-32 triumph over Heyneke Meyer’s troops in the English coastal city.
It’s alleged that Meyer never truly recovered from that blow despite guiding the Boks to third place at the showpiece tournament.
“What Eddie Jones and his team did in 2015 was truly magnificent and worthy of being remembered,” said award-winning Australian director Max 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 South Africa, who at the time were the most successful Rugby World Cup team in history. The result was celebrated around the world. What I want to do is try and show why it happened (and) where did the self-belief come from?”
Filming will start in January.
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