A Day To Remember - By Rob Van Der Steen

Saturday 19^th September 2015 is a day which will remain in my memory for the rest of my life. Why? You ask. Well there are a few reasons.

The first is I got to meet my Rugby Hero Joost Van Der Westhuizen. In a very bizarre turn of events my wife, an aspiring photographer was working at the Sussex County Cricket Ground on the Friday, photographing a wedding for one of her clients when she was asked if she could return the next day to take photographs of a Charity event.

Photo Source AFP

As further details became available it was clear it was an event for the J9 Foundation, a charity founded by  Joost Van Der Westhuizen to raise awareness of and to help those suffering with Motor Neuron Disease.  For those of you are not aware Joost himself was diagnosed with the illness back in 2011 and ever since has dedicated much of his life to helping those in similar situations. Find out more about the foundation here The J9 Foundation

So the morning of the 19^th of September 2015 came around, my wife set off to take photos with my Rugby hero and I waited patiently for my best friend Jay to arrive so we could head to off to Brighton to watch my first ever Rugby World Cup match at the AMEX Stadium , the match was South Africa vs Japan the second reason my day was so memorable, but we will come back to this later.

As we arrive in Brighton ready to have a few beverages before the match my wife send me a message, it says “I’ve just met Joost” followed by a photo of her with the man himself. My jaw nearly hit the floor, although I knew it was happening the reality of seeing it was something else and then something amazing happened. My wife told me that the event organiser had invited myself and Jay down to meet Joost, the excitement was unbearable. For a split second I was torn as to whether to go or not, fearing I may not make it back in time to watch the big game, but my fears were quickly allayed by the fact Joost himself was going to watch the game so there should be no issues.

So we head off to the cricket ground walk into the event room and there he is my rugby hero sat watching the first Rugby match of the day in preparation for the mighty Boks against Japan later that afternoon. In what was a very humbling experience I nervously approached Joost and explained how it was such a great honour to meet him and how he was my rugby hero. Given the nature of Joost’s illness having a full conversation was not possible but through his brother he was able to thank me for my words before a quick photo opportunity.

Photo Source: www.photographybypaloma.co.uk

Oh and for those who wondering, Groggs were mentioned to him. Prior to my arrival at the event my wife showed Joost a photo of my own Van Der Westhuizen Grogg and a smile beamed across his face, with his brother confirming Joost still has his Grogg at home and how much he loves it!

Photo Source: www.groggs.co.uk

So the afternoon continued, we ate some food spoke to some of the fellow guests, took part in the auction raising money for the J9 Foundation and finally headed off to the AMEX Stadium still in disbelief about what had just happened and thinking nothing could top what we had experienced that morning.

So kick time approaches, 2 times world Champions South Africa line up against Japan, surely this match is only going to end one way? Buzzing with excitement, the crowd is ready to see some Rugby, kitted out in my Springbok hoodie and having just met my rugby hero I know who I am supporting, as is a large percentage of the crowd.

As the match gets underway there is a feeling Japan will not be rolled over as most people would have expected, instead they are going toe to toe with the former world champions… this is incredible!

Of course there were tries from South Africa, but Japan were keeping pace. By the time the halftime whistle blew, Japan were within 2 points of the Springboks, surely in the second half South Africa’s experience will come good and Japan despite fighting bravely in the first half will just not have enough to compete… how wrong could I be?

Photo Source: www.telegraph.co.uk

The second half kicked off in the same fashion as the first half ended, South Africa looked like they were against the ropes, they managed to score points but Japan looked dynamic, everytime they got the ball they looked dangerous and the crowd roared with excitement.

After an hour of play Japan are still keeping pace with the Spingboks, in fact it’s fair to say they are setting the pace of the game the score is South Africa 22 Japan 22. Further points are added to the board as the minutes tick by the score moves to 29 points a piece and then on the 72^nd minute a penalty is awarded to the Springboks, Handre Pollard steps up and comfortably secures the 3 points, South Africa 32 Japan 29.

Japan continue to push but surely they can’t take the win? Surely? 79 Minutes gone Japan are awarded a penalty, the sensible thing to do would be to take the penalty kick and secure the 3 points right? A drawer with the 2 time world champions would be epic, but no Japan are going for this they kick into touch for the lineout, they want to win this match!

As the lineout is taken and won by Japan they drive over the line, the crowd erupts but referee Jerome Garces isn’t convinced, it goes to TMO and the decision is made “No Try”. Relief is clear across the faces of the countless Springbok supporters in the crowd, but the game isn’t over. Japan are awarded a penalty do they go for touch or goal? No they ask for the Scrum, this is incredible!

80 + 1 minutes gone, Japan win the scrum but Garces has deemed the scrum to have turned so it needs to be reset. The scrum commences and Japan retain possession, Leitch peels off the back of the scrum and heads towards the try line, South Africa are defending stoutly and despite the efforts of Japan they look like they will hold strong and then it happens 80 + 5 minutes Leitch charges through the ball is passed left to right and back again and space is created for Karne Hesketh to pierce the defence and storm over the try line. The crowd erupts, including me in my Springbok Jersey, the buzz of the stadium is unreal, this is possibly one of the greatest upsets in world rugby and possibly one of the best games I have ever seen! Final score South Africa 32 Japan 34!

Photo Source: www.telegraph.co.uk

Japan went on to win another 2 matches in the pool stages but a loss against Scotland in their second game was enough to halt their progression to the knock out stages. Despite this Japan gained cult status in the World Cup, were nominated for one of the teams of the tournament and have really set a very high benchmark for tier 2 nations in the future.

The success of Japan during the world cup has led to one of their stars of the tournament being Grogged.  Ayumu Goromaru was arguably Japan’s stand out player the full back delighted fans with his contribution during the world cup and his performances didn’t go unnoticed in Pontypridd.

Photo Source: Dylan Martinez, Reuters

With pleas from Grogg collectors and Japan fans alike, Richard couldn’t resist the opportunity to add another International to the collection and work began on the Grogg back in October.

Photo Source: www.groggs.co.uk

In his iconic kicking pose complete with finger strapping this Grogg is the first Japanese Grogg to be created since Yuji Matsuo back in the 80s and is due to be completed in the New Year. I for one cannot wait to see the finished piece!