Rugby World Cup Samoa Japan

The Japanese players jump into the air and bear hug each other - what a win! "We need to move the ball around.

If there is another offside, someone goes to the bin. If you're wondering who has that coveted final title, it's Australia-born Craig Wing. But he is denied by a wonderful crunching tackle by Japan back-rower Michael Leitch.Samoa 0-23 Japan - Ayumu GoromaruSorry for sounding like a broken record but....Samoa are caught offside again and concede another penalty. You're not alone. Quick ball allows the hosts to spread it wide and with numbers out left, Lafaele crashes over. Another glorious night for Japanese rugby as they return to the top of Pool A with three wins from three.

Will they be there after the final round of matches? As it stands they are second in Pool B ahead of Scotland v South Africa. Certainly is, if this stat below is anything to go by anyway...The problem is that they can't get anywhere near the Japanese who are playing some scintillating rugby.

"Samoa 0-0 JapanSamoa wing Alesana Tuilagi picks up the ball for the first time and strides forward like a hungry rhino. Samoa 5-26 JapanSamoa 5-26 JapanPhil ShepkaBBC Sport at Stadium MKThe contrary in emotions at the final whistle could not be more stark, with Japan knowing they are on the brink of making history, while Samoa players drop to their knees, realising they need a miracle.Samoa 5-26 JapanAll over! Japan's 15 men have got to find a gap in the 13-man Samoan defence. What a win for the hosts! Samoa’s relentless pressure eventually pays off as their forwards do the damage and then it’s spread right for Taefu to spin over from close-range. 4 - Kotaro Matsushima has scored four tries at We’re off to catch our breath after a brilliant finish at the City of Toyota Stadium. Bulky prop Sakaria Taulafo  is the next to be told off by ref Craig Joubert, rightly so for smashing into Japan full-back Ayumu Goromaru as collected a high ball. Please note that TheJournal.ie uses cookies to improve your experience and to provide services and advertising. A try scored after Samoa conceded a late free-kick took Japan to a 36-19 win that means Scotland will probably have to beat the hosts and deny then a bonus point to qualify. Monster.Samoa v Japan (14:30 BST)Lock Kane Thompson is in the Samoa side after completing a two-match ban.Thompson's return is one of five changes from their 46-6 loss to South Africa, with fly-half Tusi Pisi and centre Johnny Leota also starting.Japan have made five changes after their 45-10 defeat by Scotland.Kensuke Hatakeyama replaces Hiroshi Yamashita at tight-head prop, while lock Hitoshi Ono wins his 96th cap.Samoa v Japan (14:30 BST)Phil ShepkaBBC Sport at Stadium mk"While Japan came to Stadium MK on their team coach, the Samoa team were actually staying in the ground's hotel last night, making their journey to the players' entrance a grand total of around 20 metres. The medical team act with great care as they lift him off the field and then some of the crowd stand to applaud.

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