Japan vs Samoa, Rugby World Cup 2019: Result and reaction
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Your support makes all the difference.Kotaro Matsushima scored a bonus-point try deep into injury time as Japan moved to the brink of their first Rugby World Cup quarter-final with a 38-19 Pool A victory over Samoa.
The hosts, who turned the tournament upside down when they beat Ireland last week, moved to the top of the pool with 14 points and also secured their third victory in the pool phase for the second successive World Cup.
The loss ended the Pacific Islanders’ chances of their first place in the knockout phase since 1995, although the grouping is not likely to be decided until Japan play Scotland in Yokohama in the last game of the pool phase on 13 October. Re-live action below:
38 min: Japan 16-9 Samoa
Positioned just in front of their 22, Samoa fancy themselves off the back of the scrum. It's quick ball, really quick. But there's no way through the Japanese wall. The Pacific Islanders reconsider their options and Ulupano Seuteni eventually kicks clear off the recycle.
40 min: Japan 16-9 Samoa
The gong goes for the break but we've got time for one final scrum on the Japanese 10-metre line.
Tim Nanai-Williams, meanwhile, heads off for a HIA after that earlier collision with James Moore.
HALF-TIME: Japan 16-9 Samoa
Nothing comes from the scrum and the whistle eventually goes for a knock-on. The Japanese head straight down the tunnel as the referee points to the touchline. No messing about from Jamie Joseph's men.
A promising half but plenty of work still to be done.
HALF-TIME: Japan 16-9 Samoa
So, what to make of that first half? Probably closer than we'd expected, to be honest. While Japan have been the dominant side, with the scoreline rightly showing that, Samoa have kept themselves in the running. They've taken their chances to chip away at the hosts, Henry Taefu cleanly converting his three penalties.
As for Japan, they've looked at their best when in transition. Their try came from a seamless flow of defence to attack, Timothy Lafaele capping off a fine passage of play to dot down. The likes of Kotaro Matsushima and Lomano Lemeki have also caused Samoa no end of trouble with their pace, and you feel it's out on the wing where Japan are likely to enjoy their most success in the second half.
Nonetheless, there's been a few errors creeping in. Whereas Japan showed great courage to overcome the Irish, this match might be determined by who can exert the most discipline and self-control once the pressure ramps up another notch.
The two teams are back out on the pitch. Not long until the second half gets under way!
42 min: Japan 16-9 Samoa
Dwayne Polataivao picks out a pocket of space on the left, weaving his way through the shirts before breaking free. Chop! Down he goes, but Samoa rush forward to support the 9 as they look to make quick ball. Japan gather themselves though an hold firm in the following wave of attack.
44 min: Japan 16-9 Samoa
Penalty to Samoa! Straight in front of the posts. James Moore penalised for not going through the gate at the breakdown.
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