Rugby World Cup: Bonus-point win keeps host Japan on course for quarterfinals

Host Japan withstood a resolute challenge from Samoa to secure a crucial bonus-point victory in a 38-19 victory in their Rugby World Cup Pool A match at the City of Toyota Stadium Saturday.

Kotaro Matsushima’s fourth and final try in the dying seconds wrapped up a third straight win for Japan, with the extra point vital in its historic bid to reach the quarterfinals of Rugby’s global showpiece for the first time.

Samoa, battling to keep its own hopes alive, played a full part in a compelling clash and a late converted try from Henry Taefu set up a nailbiting finish as his side pulled to within seven points with the clock counting down.

South Africa's Siya Kolisi celebrates with the Webb Ellis trophy after the Springboks' Rugby World Cup final victory over England.

Owen Farrell of England walks past the Web Ellis trophy. South Africa were deserved victors, winning 32-12.

South Africa's lock Eben Etzebeth (C) passes the ball to South Africa's centre Damian De Allende (L). The win over England gave the Springboks their third World Cup title.

Eben Etzebeth of South Africa looks on from the bottom of the scrum. The Springboks ran away with the game in the second half after scoring two tries.

Jonny May of England breaks past Frans Malherbe of South Africa. England won the World Cup in 2003, but have now lost two finals to South Africa -- in 2007 and 2019.

New Zealand's wing Ben Smith (L) celebrates with scrumhalf Aaron Smith after scoring a try during the Japan 2019 Rugby World Cup bronze final match against Wales. The All Blacks ran out comfortable 40-17 winners.

The All Blacks celebrate their bronze medal success.

Wales were never able to match the power and speed of the All Blacks.

Wales' flanker Justin Tipuric (L) fights for the ball with New Zealand's lock Brodie Retallick (C) and fullback Beauden Barrett.

Wales' Adam Beard catches the ball in the lineout.

Japan's former Emperor Akihito (centre L) and Empress Michiko wave during the bronze final match.

Kieran Read of New Zealand acknowledges the fans following his final appearance for the All Blacks.

Wales takes on South Africa in the second semifinal in Yokohama Sunday. Welshman Aaron Wainwright (right) tackles Springbok flanker Pieter-Steph Du Toit.

Wales' Dan Biggar passes the ball as he is tackled by Du Toit during the Rugby World Cup semifinal.

South Africa scrum-half Faf de Klerk on the prowl during the semifinal against Wales.

Wales' full back Leigh Halfpenny on the attack against South Africa.

South Africa's RG Snyman wins a high ball against Wales.

South Africa triumphs 19-16 thanks to a late penalty kick from Handre Pollard. Springbok hooker Bongi Mbonambi (center) gestures after booking a spot in the final against England.

England's Manu Tuilagi scores after a powerful start from his side in the semifinal against three-time champion New Zealand.

England teammates celebrate a try -- ultimately ruled out -- from Ben Youngs against the All Blacks.

New Zealand's TJ Perenara passes the ball before he hits the ground during the semifinal against England.

England wing Johnny May takes flight past the outstretched hand of New Zealand's Richie Mo'unga.

New Zealand's centre Jack Goodhue is tackled by Courtney Lawes as a dominant England trounces New Zealand 19-7 to reach its first World Cup final since 2007.

South Africa's Faf de Klerk runs to score a try during the Rugby World Cup quarterfinal match at Tokyo Stadium between Japan and the Springboks. South Africa won 26-3.

Japan's Shota Horie is tackled by South Africa's Eben Etzebeth.

Fans react during the Rugby World Cup quarterfinal match at Tokyo Stadium between Japan and South Africa.

Lukhanyo Am (C) of South Africa jump for the balls during a lineout.

Yutaka Nagare looks dejected after Japan's defeat.

Michael Leitch of Japan acknowledges the crowd whilst walking down the tunnel after the Brave Blossoms' defeat.

Aaron Wainwright celebrates with teammates after Wales' 20-10 quarterfinal win over France.

France's Gael Fickou battles for possession with Wales' Owen Watkin during quarterfinal at Oita Stadium.

France's lock Sebastien Vahaamahina (black cap) elbows Wales' flanker Aaron Wainwright (L). Vahaamahina was red carded and his dismisall proved key as Wales took control of the match.

France fans are pictured during the Rugby World Cup 2019 quarterfinal against Wales.

Wales' lock Alun Wyn Jones (C) catches the ball.

Wales' Dan Biggar takes selfies with fans at the end quarterfinal.

New Zealand's full back Beauden Barrett (C) looks to pass the ball during the Japan 2019 Rugby World Cup quarterfinal match against Ireland. The All Blacks won 46-14.

Ireland's centre Robbie Henshaw scores a try.

Samuel Whitelock of New Zealand stretches for a lineout ball.

Ireland's prop Tadhg Furlong (L) is tackled.

Jordie Barrett of New Zealand scores his team's seventh try.

Sam Underhill of England looks to tackle Will Genia of Australia their quarterfinal match. England won 40-16.

Jonny May of England takes on Kurtley Beale of Australia.

Reece Hodge of Australia claims a high ball under pressure from Jonny May of England.

Kurtley Beale of Australia evades Owen Farrell and Elliot Daly of England.

Maro Itoje of England claims a lineout ahead of Rory Arnold and Izack Rodda of Australia.

Japan's Kenki Fukuoka evades Scotland's Chris Harris and Greig Laidlaw during the Group A game between Japan and Scotland at International Stadium Yokohama in Yokohama, Japan, on Sunday.

Japan's players line up for a minute of silence for the victims of Typhoon Hagibis prior to their match against Scotland. At least 15 people were killed and 140 are missing after Japan's worst storm in decades.

Japan's Michael Leitch misses the lineout ball. Japan will face South Africa in the semi-finals.

Japan's Yutaka Nagare grabs the ball against Scotland's Jamie Ritchie.

Scotland's wing Tommy Seymour is tackled. Japan beat Scotland 28-21 on home soil to reach their first ever World Cup quarterfinal.

Wales' back row James Davies catches the ball above back row Ross Moriarty during the Pool D match between Wales and Uruguay at the Kumamoto Stadium in Kumamoto, Japan, on Sunday.

Wales' centre Hadleigh Parkes is tackled.

Wales winger Hallam Amos runs with the ball as Uruguay's prop Juan Echeverria goes to tackle.

Hallam Amos of Wales and Gaston Mieres of Uruguay jump for a high ball. Wales beat Uruguay 35-13, qualifying them for a quarterfinal match against France.

The Tonga players perform the Sipi Tau prior to the Group C game between USA and Tonga at Hanazono Rugby Stadium in Osaka, Japan on Sunday.

United States' Cam Dolan catches the ball. The United States led the game 12-7 at half-time.

Tonga's Malietoa Hingano runs at the United States defense.

Tonga came back in the second half for a final score of 31-19, marking the team's first win at the 2019 Rugby World Cup and fourth spot in Pool C.

Ireland's Keith Earls runs past the Samoan defense during the Rugby World Cup Pool A game at Fukuoka Hakatanomori Stadium between Ireland and Samoa, in Fukuoka on Saturday.

Ireland's Tadhg Furlong reacts after scoring a try against Samoa. The Irish led the game 26-5 at halftime.

Jordan Larmour of Ireland runs with the ball towards Alapati Leiua of Samoa. The game took place in the west of Japan as a typhoon battered Tokyo some 1,100 kilometers away.

Chris Vui of Samoa wins the line-out from Iain Henderson of Ireland but it was the Irish who got the better of most duels despite having a player red carded.

Larmour scored his side's fifth try of the game as Ireland -- which has never won the World Cup -- advanced to the quarterfinals.

Australia's Izack Rodda runs at Georgia's Mamuka Gorgodze, left, and Beka Saginadze during the Rugby World Cup Pool D game at Shizuoka Stadium Ecopa between Australia and Georgia in Shizuoka, Japan on Friday.

Georgia's Beka Gigashvili reacts as a scrum collapses to the ground during the game at Shizuoka Stadium Ecopa between Australia and Georgia in Shizuoka.

Marika Koroibete of Australia breaks through to score his side's second try during the Rugby World Cup 2019 Group D game between Australia and Georgia.

Australia's Will Genia reacts after scoring a try against Georgia.

Australia's full back Kurtley Beale (C) runs with the ball during the match between Australia and Georgia.

Argentina confirmed its spot in the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France with a 47-17 win over USA, ensuring it finished third in Pool C.

But following some poor results early in its group matches, the Pumas have failed to reach the knockout stages for the first time since 2003.

The USA's third defeat of the World Cup didn't stop its fans turning out with their usual energy and noise.

The 17 points the USA scored against Argentina more than doubled its total at this year's World Cup.

Scotland continued its push for a spot in the World Cup quarterfinals with a bonus-point 61-0 win over Russia in Shizuoka.

It was Russia's fourth defeat from four games and it has now lost its four games in the competition with an aggregate score of 160-19.

Scotland's win sets up a titanic clash against hosts Japan Sunday, with Scotland needing another bonus-point win to qualify for the quarterfinals.

Two first-half tries from Adam Hastings handed Scotland an early lead and a George Horne hat-trick helped it extend its lead. Horne became the fifth player to score a hat-trick for Scotland at the Rugby World Cup.

Russia struggled with its set-pieces all afternoon, but Ryan Wilson (right) couldn't quite intercept this one as Russia's Andrey Ostrikov (left) catches the ball.

In a physical game in Oita, Wales booked its place in the quarterfinals of the Rugby World Cup with a 29-17 victory over Fiji.

Wales fell behind by 10 points early in the first half, but a hat-trick from Josh Adams helped it recover.

Three key Wales players -- Josh Adams, Dan Biggar and Jonathan Davies -- all went off injured during the game and are doubts for the rest of the World Cup.

Both sides had two players yellow carded in a frenetic game, as well as five disallowed tries between both teams.

Fiji winger Semi Radradra was given the man-of-the-match award for his strong performance. His quick feet, powerful running and slick offloads caused Welsh defenders problems throughout the game.

Canada's Jeff Hassler runs for the ball during the Pool B match against South Africa but his side were on the wrong end of a 66-7 drubbing.

Damian Willemse of South Africa scores his team's ninth try at the Kobe Misaki Stadium.

South Africa's Frans Malherbe also got on the score sheet.

Canada's Evan Olmstead (left) and South Africa's RG Snyman compete for the ball.

South Africa's Cobus Reinach runs clear of Canada's Jeff Hassler during the Pool B game at Kobe Misaki Stadium.

France's Alivereti Raka touches the ball down to score an early try against Tonga in his side's narrow 23-21 win in Pool C.

Tonga's Atieli Pakalani, left, is tackled by a French defender at the Kumamoto Stadium.

France's number 8 Gregory Alldritt, right, is tackled by Tonga's prop Ma'afu Fia.

Tonga's centre Mali Hingano (C) is held up by France's fly-half Romain Ntamack (L) and France's scrum-half Antoine Dupont (R).

France's Antoine Dupont runs at the Tongan defense during a hard-fought encounter.

Jordie Barrett of New Zealand dives to score his side's tenth try a 71-9 win for the All Blacks over Namibia in Pool B at the Tokyo Stadium.

Tjiuee Uanivi of Namibia and Shannon Frizell of New Zealand compete at a line out.

New Zealand's T J Perenara is about to score a try as he is tackled by Namibia's Helarius Kisting.

New Zealand's wing George Bridge is tackled by Namibia's wing Lesley Klim.

Japan's Kotaro Matsushima reacts after scoring his side's vital fourth bonus-point try in the 39-18 win over Samoa in Pool A.

Japan's number 8 Kazuki Himeno (R) is tackled by Samoa's prop Michael Alaalatoa (L) during a hard-fought encounter at the City of Toyota Stadium.

Samoa's wing Ed Fidow runs with the ball during the Pool A encounter.

Japan's wing Kenki Fukuoka charges clear to score the third try for the Brave Blossoms.

Adam Ashley-Cooper of Australia makes a break during his side's 45-10 win over Uruguay in Pool D at the Oita Stadium.

Australia's Tevita Kuridrani is tackled by Uruguay's Tomas Inciarte during the Rugby World Cup Pool D game at Oita Stadium.

Uruguay's scrum-half Santiago Arata passes the ball during the clash against the Wallabies.

Franco Lamanna of Uruguay wins a line out under challenge from Lukhan Salakaia-Loto of Australia.

England's Luke Cowan-Dickie scores his side's sixth and final try against the Argentina Pumas in a 39-10 win in Pool C.

Argentina's wing Santiago Carreras runs into England's scrum-half Ben Youngs at the Tokyo Stadium.

Jonny May of England takes on Emiliano Boffelli of Argentina. May scored the opening try for his side.

Jack Nowell of England scores his side's fifth try as 14-man Argentina wilted under pressure.

After defeat by New Zealand in its opening game at Japan 2019, South Africa couldn't afford to slip up against Italy. South Africa's flanker Pieter-Steph Du Toit tackles Italy's centre Luca Morisi.

South Africa ran out comfortable winners -- 49-3 -- at the game at the Shizuoka Stadium Ecopa in Shizuoka. Mbongeni Mbonambi dives across the line to score a try for South Africa.

South Africa's wing Cheslin Kolbe (L) runs to score a try during the Japan 2019 Rugby World Cup Pool B match between South Africa and Italy at the Shizuoka Stadium Ecopa in Shizuoka on October 4, 2019. (Photo by Anne-Christine POUJOULAT / AFP) (Photo by ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT/AFP via Getty Images)

Italy's hooker Luca Bigi is caught at the bottom of a ruck.

Willie Le Roux of South Africa is tackled by Sergio Parisse of Italy.

Tito Tebaldi of Italy kicks under pressure from Faf De Klerk of South Africa.

Jack Carty of Ireland tries to break clear as his side looks to bounce back against Russia in Kobe following a shock defeat by host Japan.

Ireland's centre Bundee Aki (right) felt the force of Russian opposite number Kirill Golosnitskiy during the Pool A match.

Rhys Ruddock of Ireland runs with the ball towards Igor Galinovskiy of Russia during the match in Kobe.

Ruddock scores Ireland's third try as the world's No.1 ranked team runs out the 35-0 winner to get back on track in the tournament.

Fiji took on Georgia looking for its first win in the tournament. Kini Murimurivalu (right) was in action taking on Georgia's Giorgi Kveseladze at Hanazono Rugby Stadium in Osaka.

Georgia's Soso Matiashvili is shackled during the game against Fiji.

Georgia centre Davit Kacharava can't get through, either.

Fiji's Leone Nakarawa is tackled by Merab Sharikadze of Georgia.

Semi Radradra scores his team's seventh try as Fiji triumphs 45-10 against Georgia.

Jordie Barrett shrugs off an attempted tackle from a despairing Canadian player during the All Blacks' 63-0 romp over the North American team.

While Canada never gave up hope, it failed to score a single point for the second time in a Rugby World Cup game (0-20 vs. South Africa in 1995)

New Zealand center Sonny Bill Williams (left) scored the All Blacks' third try of the evening and with the win, has won his last 16 Rugby World Cup games, equaling Kiwi hooker Keven Mealamu's all-time record of consecutive wins at the tournament.

While Canada struggled with their set pieces all evening, Tyler Ardron did win this lineout.

New Zealand scrum-half TJ Perenara's quick hands and activity around the scrum helped New Zealand score four tries in the first 10 minutes of the second half.

Ardie Savea made World Cup history when he came on for New Zealand. He became the first player in World Cup history to wear goggles during a game.

It wasn't pretty, but a misfiring France managed to record its second victory of the tournament with a 33-9 win over USA.

AJ MacGinty (middle) scored all nine points for the USA with his boot, going three for three with his penalties.

The USA's performance didn't prevent its fans from having a nice time, as they turned out in force in the Fukuoka Hakatanomori Stadium to support their country.

Although the USA got to within three points of France in the second-half, a late flurry of tries from Gael Fickou, Baptiste Serin (center) and Jefferson Poirot secured the bonus-point win for the French.

Nick Civetta of the United States stretches for the ball at a lineout with France's Paul Gabrillagues. The big second row has featured in both of the USA's defeats at the Rugby World Cup.

Scotland's Darcy Graham (centre) in action against Samoa as the Scots look to get their World Cup campaign back on track after a lackluster opening defeat by Ireland.

Scotland's cause is helped by a yellow card for Samoa's Ed Fidow, temporarily reducing the Pacific Islanders to 14 men. Fidow is later sent off for a second yellow card.

Sean Maitland fumbles the ball as Scotland chase a fourth try and a bonus point which could prove crucial at the business end of the pool stage.

Alapati Leiua of Samoa is tackled by Jamie Ritchie of Scotland in a bruising match in Kobe.

Scotland runs out the 34-0 winner against Samoa to revive its hope of qualifying for the knockout stage.

Wales' Gareth Davies (left) is congratulated by teammate Hadleigh Parkes after scoring his crucial interception try during a 29-25 win over Australia in the Rugby World Cup Pool D game at Tokyo Stadium.

Australian supporters react following the Rugby World Cup Pool D game defeat to Wales in Tokyo.

Wales' No. 8 Josh Navidi (left) is tackled by Australia's lock Izack Rodda during an epic encounter.

Wales star George North in action during the nerve-jangling match.

Adam Ashley-Cooper of Australia scores the first half try to drag his side back into contention against Wales after a slow start for the Wallabies.

Dane Haylett-Petty of Australia jumps for the ball under pressure from Liam Williams of Wales.

Tolu Latu of Australia is tackled by Josh Adams and Hadleigh Parkes of Wales.

George North of Wales and Kurtley Beale of Australia jump for the ball in the Tokyo Stadium.

Uruguay's Santiago Arata jumps to take a ball during the Rugby World Cup Pool D game at Kumagaya Rugby Stadium between Uruguay and Georgia.

Georgia's centre Giorgi Kveseladze (left) runs with the ball in his side's 33-7 win over Uruguay.

Soso Matiashvili of Georgia breaks through a tackle against Uruguay.

Japan's Kenki Fukuoka scores the crucial go-ahead try in his side's epic 19-12 victory over Ireland in the Rugby World Cup Pool A game in Shizuoka.

Irish fans react as they watch their side slide to a shock defeat to host Japan.

Ireland players Gary Ringrose (l) and Jack Carty (r) compete for a high ball during the Rugby World Cup 2019 Group A game between Japan and Ireland.

Yutaka Nagare of Japan is tackled by James Ryan of Ireland during the hard-fought encounter

Ireland's centre and first half try scorer Garry Ringrose is tackled by Japan's lock Luke Thompson as the action hots up in Shizuoka.

Argentina's fly-half Benjamin Urdapilleta looks on during his side's 28-12 win over Tonga at the Hanazono Rugby Stadium in Higashiosaka.

Argentina's Santiago Carreras and Tonga's Viliami Lolohea compete for the ball during the Rugby World Cup Pool C game.

Argentina's Pablo Matera runs with the ball during their game against Tonga.

Benjamin Urdapilleta of Argentina kicks the ball under pressure of Zane Kapeli of Tonga his side's bonus-point victory.

Max Katijenko of Namibia competes for a lineout with Franco Mostert of South Africa during the Rugby World Cup 2019 Group B game between South Africa and Namibia at City of Toyota Stadium.

Thomasau Forbes of Namibia looks on from the ground during his side's nine-try defeat to South Africa.

Makazole Mapimpi of South Africa evades a tackle from Chad Plato of Namibia to go on and score his team's seventh try.

South Africa's Elton Jantjies runs past Namibia's Eugene Jantjies during the one-sided match.

The USA were beaten 45-7 by England at the Rugby World Cup in its opening game at Japan 2019. Shaun Davies passes the ball during the Group C match at Kobe Misaki Stadium in Kobe.

England ran in seven tries, including two from Joe Cokanasiga.

Elliot Daly of England is tackled by Blaine Scully, who is captain of the USA team.

The USA did get points on the board with Bryce Campbell of USA going over to score late in the game.

Earlier on September 26, Italy beat Canada 48-7 at the Fukuoka Hakatanomori Stadium in Fukuoka.

Canada's wing Jeff Hassler (back) tackles Italy's full back Matteo Minozzi during Group B game.

Italy ran in seven tries during the game, though Canada spurned a number of try scoring opportunities.

Canada's fly-half Peter Nelson hands over the ball in a ruck.

Tommaso Benvenuti of Italy competes for the ball with Ben Lesage of Canada.

The 2019 Rugby World Cup delivered its first major shock as minnows Uruguay held on for a historic 30-27 victory over Fiji.

Fiji was expected to comfortably beat its South American opponents but Uruguay staged one the tournament's biggest upsets in World Cup history.

Uruguay's wing Nicolas Freitas is tackled by Fiji's scrum-half Nikola Matawalu during the Pool D match.

Mesulame Dolokoto grounds the ball to score his side's first try but Fiji made too many mistakes in the game.

Local children cheer with both Fiji and Uruguay flags at the Kamaishi Recovery Memorial Stadium, a venue built in memory of those lost in the 2011 tsunami.

The loss means Fiji might struggle to progress to the quarterfinals after also losing its opener against Australia.

Ed Fidow celebrates with his Samoan team mates after scoring his sides third try during its win over Russia.

School children attended the match at the Kumagaya Rugby Stadium.

The match was a feisty affair with Samoa fortunate not to have had two players sent off.

Dwayne Polataivao tackles Yury Kushnarev during the Pool A game between Russia and Samoa.

Wales was forced to work hard for its win against Georgia but produced a first half masterclass to clinch the win.

Georgia's wing Giorgi Kveseladze, right, tackles Wales' fly-half Dan Biggar during their Pool D match between at the City of Toyota Stadium on September 23.

Wales faced Georgia in its opening game of the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

Its passion sometimes proved too much and referee Luke Pearce showed Georgia's Jaba Bregvadze a yellow card for foul play.

Wales celebrate after scoring yet another try against its opposition which proved it was more than capable of competing on a physical level.

Ireland proved to be too strong for its opponents who failed to match the Irish intensity.

James Ryan of Ireland wins a line out during his side's 27-3 win over Scotland.

An Ireland supporter looks on prior to his side's opening game.

Italy cruised to a simple bonus-point victory over Namibia but only after a scare from the part-timers.

England's centre Manu Tuilagi celebrates with fly-half George Ford after scoring a try.

England's Anthony Watson juggles the ball.

New Zealand players perform the Haka prior to their Rugby World Cup 2019 Group B game against South Africa.

New Zealand's wing Sevu Reece catches the ball.

Peceli Yato of Fiji takes on Reece Hodge of Australia. At one point in the second half, Fiji led 21-12.

Christian Lealiifano of Australia holds on to the ball during the Rugby World Cup match between Australia and Fiji in Sapporo, Japan, on September 21.

Waisea Nayacalevu of Fiji, right, beats Christian Lealifano to the ball to score a second-half try. However, two tries from Australia hooker Tolu Latu in five minutes ensured the Wallabies avoided a huge upset.

Argentina's lock Guido Petti Pagadizabal (L) tackles France's scrumhalf Antoine Dupont. France survived a remarkable second-half comeback from Argentina to record a thrilling 23-21 win.

France's Virimi Vakatawa looks to pass the ball to a teammate. France led 20-3 at half-time.

Japan's Matsushima, left, celebrates with Yutaka Nagare, center, after scoring one of his three tries.

Russia's Andrei Ostrikov, left, competes for the ball with Japan's James Moore during their Rugby World Cup match in Tokyo, Japan, on Friday, September 20.

Russia scored first and led 7-0, before Japan gradually grew into the match. Kotaro Matsushima of Japan touches down for a try under pressure from Vasily Artemyev of Russia, but it is disallowed.

The match between Japan and Russia was preceded by the tournament's opening ceremony.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

Prev Next

But Kenki Fukuoka and Matsushima responded for the Brave Blossoms, who will go into a final Pool A match against Scotland next weekend on the crest of a wave and with fanatical home support.

Coming off the back of a famous victory over World No.2 Ireland last weekend, expectations were sky-high among the capacity crowd and the boot of Yu Tamura kept his side ahead with three first half penalties, Taefu responding with two three-pointers of his own.

View the latest Rugby World Cup news, feature stories, photos and videos on CNN.com.

TJ Ioane was sin-binned for a late tackle, reducing Samoa to 14 men for 10 minutes, and it proved costly as Timothy Lafaele touched down for Japan’s opening try.

Japan's Timothy Lafaele celebrates with teammates after scoring a crucial first half try during the Rugby World Cup Pool A match against Samoa at the Toyota Stadium.

Taefu, who scored all Samoa’s points, kept his side in it at 16-9 down at the half with his third penalty and a further successful kick after the break saw the deficit reduced to just three points.

Kazuki Himeno’s try for Japan, converted by Tamura, gave the host breathing space again until Taefu finished off a clever move with six minutes remaining to put the pressure back on.

There is growing optimism coming from local rugby fans in Japan.

Related article 'They feel they can win': George Gregan on Japan's World Cup hopes

It was finally relieved when Fukuoka scored Japan’s third try and the stage was then set for the inspirational Matsushima to put the icing on the cake with his fourth try of the tournament.

The extra point gained leaves Japan in the box seat for the clash against Scotland, acknowledged by coach Jamie Joseph. “The bonus point may be the difference in the end,” he said.

“We always thought it was going to come down to the final game and it’s shaping up to be a real ripper!”

England reaches quarterfinals

England secured its passage to the quarterfinals of the competition with a convincing 39-10 win over 14-man Argentina in Tokyo.

England fully exploited the advantage after the first half red card for Argentina lock Tomas Lavanini to run in six tries and gain the bonus-point victory.

Benjamin Urdapilleta put the Pumas ahead early after a tremendous surge led to a penalty, but winger Jonny May soon darted over to put England 5-3 ahead.

Lavanini’s ill-judged high tackle on England captain Owen Farrell saw him dispatched by referee Nigel Owens and with him went Argentina’s hopes of the victory it needed to keep hopes of qualification alive.

Ben Youngs of England celebrates scoring his side's third try with his teammate Manu Tuilagi during the Rugby World Cup 2019 Group C game between England and Argentina at Tokyo Stadium.

Elliot Daly and Ben Youngs crossed for tries before the break and despite Farrell having a rare off day with his kicking, England was in total control.

The bonus point was assured when fly half George Ford ran in England’s fourth try before Argentina bravely responded with a converted try from Matias Moroni.

The returning Jack Nowell and Luke Cowan-Dickie added further converted tries for Eddie Jones’ men as its opponent tired in the closing minutes.

READ: Tokyo transformed: Global sporting events puts spotlight on Japan’s capital

“It was scruffy at times, but we had a decent measure of control and pressure told in the end,” said Farrell.

Argentina coach Mario Ledesma said the loss of Lavanini proved crucial: “We couldn’t build momentum and we were a guy less,” he said.

England, top of Pool C with three successive bonus point wins, plays Six Nations rivals France next weekend to decide who tops a difficult group.

Australia thrashes Uruguay

Earlier, England’s likely quarterfinal opponent Australia beat Uruguay 45-10, running in seven tries despite being reduced to 14 men for two periods of the first half.

Adam Coleman and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto spent spells in the sin-bin after being yellow-carded for high tackles in the encounter in the Oita Stadium.

READ: Wales edges Wallabies in classic

But it did not prevent the bonus-point victory which puts the Wallabies ahead of Fiji after three games in Pool D, led by Wales, which is unbeaten.

Adam Ashley-Cooper of Australia thanks the crowd after his side took a decisive step towards the quarterfinals of the Rugby World Cup with a 45-10 win over Uruguay in the Rugby World Cup 2019 Group D game at Oita Stadium.

Teenage wing Jordan Petaia, Australia’s youngest ever World Cup player, scored a try in the victory, while Tevita Kuridrani and Dane Haylett-Petty crossed twice apiece.

Despite the convincing victory, Australia coach Michael Cheika bemoaned his side’s lack of discipline.

“Giving away as many penalties as we did today made it hard for ourselves, particularly having 14 men on the field for 20 minutes.

“It’s hard, it makes life hard, it takes a lot of energy out of the tank,” he said.