Japan are on the verge of creating the World Cup knockout rounds after defeating Samoa 38-19 in Toyota
The tournament hosts held a slender 16-9 lead at half-time thanks to three penalties and a Timothy Lafaele try .
Second-half tries from Kazuki Himeno and Kotaro Matsushima (2) then sealed a bonus-point victory that sees them stay unbeaten and top their team with one match remaining.
Their final fixture is from Scotland from Yokohama, and should they win by progressing for the very first time that they will produce history.
More to follow…