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The Japanese got the better of the Samoans on Thursday evening (28-22), but without managing to win the offensive bonus.
France Télévisions – Sports Editorial
Published on 09/28/2023 8:10 p.m. Updated on 09/28/2023 11:40 p.m.
Reading time: 1 min Kotaro Matsushima ball in hand during Japan’s victory against Samoas, in Toulouse, September 28, 2023. (CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP)
Japan takes a big step towards qualification. The Brave Blossoms won (28-22) against Samoa during the 4th day of the group stage of the World Cup, Thursday September 28, at the Toulouse Stadium. Well launched by a good first period, the Japanese were never caught by the Samoans reduced to 14 after the exclusion of Ben Lam in the 50th minute. But they trembled at the end of the match, despite their numerical superiority, did not manage to grab the offensive bonus, and saw their opponents come back to less than a converted try in the final minutes.
Thanks to this victory, the Japanese move up to second place in Pool D, ahead of their evening opponents. They will therefore be in a strong position before their last match against Argentina, which could be the final for qualification if the Pumas win against Chile on Saturday (3 p.m.). Samoa, for their part, are condemned to a defeat by Argentina coupled with an exploit against the XV de la Rose with the bonus on the last day to hope to see the quarters. If they finish third, they will automatically qualify for the 2027 World Cup in Australia. This result also offers its ticket to the quarter-finals for England, who can no longer finish outside the top 2.
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