England are now through to the quarter-finals after Japan beat Samoa; Japan are now in second place in Pool D after the 28-22 victory; Samoa’s Ben Lam was handed a red card in the second half for a dangerous tackle
Last Updated: 28/09/23 10:21pm
Japan improved their hopes of reaching the Rugby world Cup quarter-finals for a second time with their win over Samoa
England reached the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals after Japan beat an ill-disciplined Samoa 28-22 in Toulouse to boost their own chances of reaching the last eight for the second successive time.
Tries by Pieter Labuschagne, Michael Leitch, Kazuki Himeno and 13 points from the boot of Rikiya Matsuda gave Japan a comprehensive victory as they leapfrogged their opponents into second place in Pool D with nine points.
Samoa, who had Ben Lam red carded early in the second half and answered with tries by Seilala Lam, Duncan Paia’aua and Christian Leali’ifano as well as points from the tee by Alai D’Angelo Leuila and Leali’ifano, are third on six points.
With 14 points, England cannot finish outside the top two. Fourth-placed Argentina are expected to add to their four points when they meet Chile on Saturday before a potential pool decider against Japan in the last round of group games.
What’s Next?
Next up for Samoa is a clash with England on October 7 in Lille, with kick-off at 4.45pm BST.
For Japan, a big clash with Argentina awaits on Sunday October 8 in Nantes, with kick-off at 12pm BST.