Japan vs Samoa, Rugby World Cup 2019: Result and reaction

Re-live all the action from Toyota

Fireworks in Japan after host nation's Rugby World Cup win over Ireland

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:

Key Points

• Japan XV: Ryohei Yamanaka, Kotaro Matsushima, Timothy Lafaele, Ryoto Nakamura, Lomano Lemeki, Yu Tamura, Yutaka Nagare; Kazuki Himeno, Pieter Labuschagne (C), Michael Leitch, James Moore, Wimpie van der Walt, Jiwon Koo, Atsushi Sakate, Keita Inagaki.
• Samoa XV: Tim Nanai-Williams, Ah See Tuala, Alapati Leiua, Henry Taefu, Ed Fidow, Ulupano Seuteni, Dwayne Polataivao; Jack Lam (C), TJ Ioane, Chris Vui, Kane Le'aupepe, Piula Faasalele, Michael Alaalatoa, Seilala Lam, Jordan Lay.

[5 October 2019 13:37 · Samuel Lovett]

[5 October 2019 13:39 · Samuel Lovett]

Right, that's all from me folks! Another thrilling evening, with Japan right at the heart of it. They've got their sights set on the quarter-finals and are refusing to look away. Scotland to come in what promises to be quite the finale to this group.

See you then!

[5 October 2019 15:22 · Samuel Lovett]