A nation united in belief as host Japan secures famous victory

By Alex Thomas, CNN
Updated 10:40 AM EDT, Sat October 5, 2019
BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 19: Ayumu Goromaru of Japan ceelbrates scoring the second 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)
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BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 19: Ayumu Goromaru of Japan ceelbrates scoring the second 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)
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YOKOHAMA, JAPAN - NOVEMBER 02: Siya Kolisi of South Africa lifts the Web Ellis cup following his team's victory against England in the Rugby World Cup 2019 Final between England and South Africa at International Stadium Yokohama on November 02, 2019 in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)
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BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 19: Japan players celebrate after the win over South Africa during the Rugby World Cup 2015 Pool B match between South Africa and Japan at Brighton Community Centre on September 19, 2015 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Steve Haag/Gallo Images/Getty Images)
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CNN  — 

As the clock ticked down in Shizuoka, the TV coverage zoomed in on the faces of the Ireland players. They looked shocked - but not half as much as we all did.

However, there was one man who had almost predicted Japan’s shock win.

Hours earlier, I had been interviewing one of rugby’s all-time greats, George Gregan. He played in four Rugby World Cups, winning the 1999 tournament with Australia.

Gregan finished his career living and playing in Japan and told me told me the nation believes it can win. He wasn’t talking about the Ireland game, he meant the whole tournament.

South Africa's Siya Kolisi celebrates with the Webb Ellis trophy after the Springboks' Rugby World Cup final victory over England.
South Africa's Siya Kolisi celebrates with the Webb Ellis trophy after the Springboks' Rugby World Cup final victory over England.
Matthew Childs/Reuters
Owen Farrell of England walks past the Web Ellis trophy. South Africa were deserved victors, winning 32-12.
Owen Farrell of England walks past the Web Ellis trophy. South Africa were deserved victors, winning 32-12.
Stu Forster/Getty Images
South Africa's lock Eben Etzebeth (C) passes the ball to South Africa's centre Damian De Allende (L). The win over England gave the Springboks their third World Cup title.
South Africa's lock Eben Etzebeth (C) passes the ball to South Africa's centre Damian De Allende (L). The win over England gave the Springboks their third World Cup title.
Anne-Christine Poujoulat/AFP/Getty Images
Eben Etzebeth of South Africa looks on from the bottom of the scrum. The Springboks ran away with the game in the second half after scoring two tries.
Eben Etzebeth of South Africa looks on from the bottom of the scrum. The Springboks ran away with the game in the second half after scoring two tries.
Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
Jonny May of England breaks past Frans Malherbe of South Africa. England won the World Cup in 2003, but have now lost two finals to South Africa -- in 2007 and 2019.
Jonny May of England breaks past Frans Malherbe of South Africa. England won the World Cup in 2003, but have now lost two finals to South Africa -- in 2007 and 2019.
Dan Mullan/Getty Images
New Zealand's wing Ben Smith (L) celebrates with scrumhalf Aaron Smith after scoring a try during the Japan 2019 Rugby World Cup bronze final match against Wales. The All Blacks ran out comfortable 40-17 winners.
New Zealand's wing Ben Smith (L) celebrates with scrumhalf Aaron Smith after scoring a try during the Japan 2019 Rugby World Cup bronze final match against Wales. The All Blacks ran out comfortable 40-17 winners.
Charly Triballeau/AFP/Getty Images
The All Blacks celebrate their bronze medal success.
The All Blacks celebrate their bronze medal success.
Hannah Peters/Getty Images
Wales were never able to match the power and speed of the All Blacks.
Wales were never able to match the power and speed of the All Blacks.
AFLO/Reuters
Wales' flanker Justin Tipuric (L) fights for the ball with New Zealand's lock Brodie Retallick (C) and fullback Beauden Barrett.
Wales' flanker Justin Tipuric (L) fights for the ball with New Zealand's lock Brodie Retallick (C) and fullback Beauden Barrett.
Anne-Christine Poujoulat/AFP/Getty Images
Wales' Adam Beard catches the ball in the lineout.
Wales' Adam Beard catches the ball in the lineout.
Aaron Favila/AP