Japan have all but ended Samoa’s hopes at the Rugby World Cup and kept their own alive with a 28-22 win in Toulouse.
Leading 22-8 shortly after halftime, Japan held off a late comeback to earn their second win of the tournament and move to second in their group.
Samoa lost winger Ben Lam for a red card late in the first half but closed the gap to six points with a minute to play before having one last surge at a comeback victory.
Samoa face England in their final group game while Japan play Argentina in what will likely be the game which decides the runner-up spot in the group.
