The former banker and amateur player was left open mouthed at one of the sport’s biggest upsets.
He described the experience as “surreal”.
Ron Rutland has spent two years cycling across Africa and Europe to see South Africa play in the World Cup in the UK.
The 41-year-old arrived after the 40,000km journey tired, but in time and elated to see the Springboks take on Japan in Brighton.
But his ecstasy turned to agony when, in a shock result, Japan won 34 points to 32.
Rutland says he couldn’t believe what he witnessed, saying it was like watching a movie it had been so surreal.
