South Africa comfortably accounted for the Brave Blossoms 41-7 in Kumagaya on 6 September but the pre-match buildup had been dominated by Japan’s shock 34-32 victory over the Springboks in Brighton at the 2015 World Cup.
Kipchoge, who finished a special marathon in Vienna in one hour, 59 minutes and 40 seconds that will not be recognised for world record purposes, also was nominated for his London Marathon course record.