Monday 21 September 2015 13:40, UK
Karne Hesketh admits he disagreed with the decision to go for the try that made him a hero in Japan and ensured his place in rugby folklore.
The New Zealand-born winger scored the dramatic late try which saw minnows Japan beat South Africa 34-32 on Saturday, one of the greatest upsets in sport.
Japan had been awarded a penalty and had they successfully kicked it, the Cherry Blossoms would have sealed a draw, which would itself have been an astonishing result.
But Eddie Jones' side opted to go for the scrum - and glory - a decision which led to Hesketh's score.
"I can't remember the decision happening. I just sort of thought it was strange that we were going for a scrum when we had the chance to draw," Hesketh told Sky Sports News HQ.
"It paid off in the end. It was worth it. Definitely worth it.
"It was pretty special. I just remember diving for the line and then seeing the line and thinking we have beaten them. Everyone was pushing me down…I couldn't get up. I was just happy."
Hesketh admits the aftermath of the momentous victory will stay with him forever.
"It was just historical. It was just…the changing rooms was just glowing with positive energy, just happiness. There was just positive energy everywhere and still is," he added.
"Walking around the hotel, it was just an awesome feeling. Our original target was just to make the quarters and create history for Japan rugby.
"We haven't exceeded our targets yet. We want to become something that young kids now can look up to and to aspire to be a national player and to grow the game in Japan that way.
"It's like the third or fourth sport on the list in Japan. It's not that popular but there is growing support especially with announcement of next World Cup. That's going to push people to want to be supporters, to be fans, to be involved in grassroots rugby and for kids to be involved in rugby. It's huge. If we can progress further it's going to be even better."
Next up for Japan is Scotland on Wednesday, who will be playing their first game and Hesketh - whose wife plays for New Zealand - is confident of another victory.
"I believe we can do it again," Hesketh said. "It is going to be hard. We need to improve still on the back of that."
Former England captain Steve Borthwick is coaching the Japan line-out, and Hesketh praised his influence: "He is really clever. You see the line-outs…that was about as sharp as it could get. He used our strengths in the line-outs to win. He is just a very smart man."
And what has Borthwick said about Wednesday's opponents?
"That the English hate the Scots..."
