4. Ayumu Goromaru: South Africa 32 – 34 Japan – 2015 Rugby World Cup
The fabled ‘Brighton Miracle’ of 2015, provided a fairy-tale ending to the turbulent international career of Ayumu Goromaru. The Japanease fullback had a difficult time breaking into the Brave Blossoms squad throughout his career, despite making his test match debut in 2005, Goromaru had to wait a full decade before his first run out at the Rugby World Cup.
Goromaru was overlooked by former Japan Head Coaches Jean-Pierre Elissalde and John Kirwan, and left out of the 2007 and 2011 Rugby World Cup squads. After honing his craft for 10 years, it was Eddie Jones who gave the veteran the opportunity to shine on the world’s stage. Goromaru’s first World Cup test was the Pool B opener against the titanic Springboks, yet he rose to the challenge.
Goromaru was instrumental in keeping Japan in this now legendary match, he kicked five penalties throughout the contest to keep his side within touching distance of the Boks. Goromaru also slotted the conversion after his captain Michael Leitch drove over to score, before taking centre stage to keep the Brave Blossom’s hopes alive.
With little over 10 minutes remaining, Goromaru offered support to the line-break of Kotaro Matsushima. The winger found his fullback, with Goromaru racing off through a sea of gold and green, to narrow the deficit to just one score, and set up the unforgettable final moments of Japan’s historic victory.