England were unable to replicate the “miracle of Brighton” at the Rugby World Cup final in Japan.
All the best to Eddie and @EnglandRugby tmw. We are all with you. #justoverthehalfwayline 🤣@JoeMarler @FifteenRugbyXV @SussexRFU @davidflatman @brightonargus @Bexram pic.twitter.com/aVRajN8ACv
— Brighton College RFC (@btoncollrugby) November 1, 2019
They were beaten 32-12 by South Africa as England coach Eddie Jones tried once again to upset the odds with a win over the Springboks.
Despite an early penalty miss, the champions took a 3-0 lead after nine minutes and they didn’t look back.
Jones stunned South Africa – and the rugby world in general – at the last World Cup four years ago, coaching Japan to victory over the Boks.
The match became known as the miracle of Brighton and a film – The Brighton Miracle – tells “the story of what is regarded as the greatest sporting upset in history – Japan, the team with the worst record in rugby world cup history, against South Africa, the two-time champions”.
Jones plotted the triumph against the odds at Japan’s training camp at Brighton College.
And at the Brighton Community Stadium – or the Amex as it is more familiarly known to Brighton and Hove Albion fans – Japan won 34-32.
Two months later Eddie Jones became England coach and has since returned to Brighton College with the international squad as part of his preparations.
The school is currently spending £55 million on a new sports and science centre which could well attract England in the future.
Today, though, England were unable to repeat history for Jones.
Not everyone in Brighton and Hove wanted an England victory. One of the best-known South Africans in the area Andy Winter has been flying the flag for his home nation.
I will be on @BBCSussex at 8.20am talking about the Rugby World Cup Final. I will not be impartial. Come on, South Africa! pic.twitter.com/Hc0JVykMyz
— Andy Winter (@AndyWinterBN1) November 2, 2019
