South Africa coach Heyneke Meyer has apologised to the nation after his side suffered greatest ever Rugby World Cup defeat against Japan in their opening Pool B match on Saturday.
Meyer, whose side were beaten 32-34 against an opponent that had not won a World Cup game since 1991 against Zimbabwe, described the loss as the worst moment of his coaching career, Sport24 reported.
The two-time world champions failed to breach Japan's solid defence and committed countless errors against a spirited Asian rival.
Taking responsibility for the defeat, Meyer apologised to the nation and called on the springboks to bounce back from the upset.
South Africa will take on Samoa, Scotland and US in the rest of their pool games.