(CNN)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.
