Japan made over double the amount of tackles of their opponents - 76 to the Springboks' 35 - in the first half.

But after a closing period in which the Brave Blossoms enjoyed much more of the game, the overall tackle count had a much more even look to it.

The Boks made almost as many tackles in the second half as Japan had in the first, proving this was no 'smash and grab' win.