Longest time between wins at the Rugby Union World Cup

The longest lapse of time between wins at the Rugby World Cup is 23 years 340 days and was achieved by Japan, who first won vs. Zimbabwe in Ravenhill, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK, on 14 October 1991 and didn't win another match until their thrilling last-minute victory against South Africa at the Brighton Community Stadium in Brighton, England, UK, on 19 September 2015.

This victory is regarded as the greatest shock in Rugby World Cup history. Japan were expected to lose by a heavy margin, but surprised their illustrious opponents – especially in the scrum – to remain within three points going into the final minutes of the game. The Brave Blossoms won a penalty late on and could have kicked at goal to try to secure a historic draw. Instead, they went for the win and were rewarded with a last minute try to emerge victorious, 34–32. Despite being ever present in the World Cup this was only their second win after a comfortable victory in 1991 over Zimbabwe.

The previous record for the longest lapse between two wins was 16 years 156 days by USA between 1987 and 2003. Ironically, both of those wins were against Japan.