Red card helps Japan avoid shock World Cup upset

Six points were all that separated Samoa and Japan in an enthralling Rugby World Cup contest that threatened to tip the scales of Pool D.

For the third time in Rugby World Cup history, the Red Blossoms defeated a gritty Manu Samoa to keep their hopes of a quarter-final berth alive.

Japan wound up winners, 28-22. Although a depleted Samoa put in a valiant effort and nearly stole an unlikely upset at the death.

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Pieter Labuschagne scored the first converted try for Japan in the 13th minute before Samoa got on the board in the 25th after a penalty kick.

Another penalty kick went the way of Japan in the 28th minute before Michael Leitch scored his side's second converted try in the 32nd.

Seilala Lam drew the margin back just short of half-time with a try of his own, the score reading 17-8 in favour of Japan at the break.

Samoa was then dealt a massive blow shortly into the second half when Ben Lam copped a yellow card, which was upgraded to red, for a high shot in the 47th minute.

Japan capitalised and scored another try two minutes later to extend its lead to 22-8.

Despite being down a man, the momentum soon swung in Samoa's favour and by the 65th minute they had their second converted try courtesy of Duncan Paia'aua.

Several more defensive line breaks came and just shy of full-time, and Christian Leali'ifano scored Samoa's third try.

That would be their final points-scoring act of the match, with the scores at 28-22 just two minutes from full-time.

A penalty at the death offered Samoa an opportunity to attack just beyond the halfway line, but a wayward throw gave Japan possession and the ball was duly kicked into touch.

For Japan, it was a great escape. For Samoa, there was heartbreak.

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Ultimately, Samoa's ill-discipline let them down after copping a yellow and red card.

"Really proud of the guys with the effort they put into the game," said Samoa head coach Seilala Mapusua.

"I couldn't have asked for more. But it's tough playing a game against 15 men and to be down a man, with the red card. 

"Unfortunate for Ben (Lam), it was just one of those contacts in the game. Japan exploited the advantage and they got the win."

"It is very concerning," he added, noting the team suffered two yellow cards in the two games prior against Argentina and Chile.

"We have got to be technically correct otherwise we will be punished. We have seen that in the last three games, but not just our games, throughout the competition. We're hopeful we can get it right next week."

Pending the result of Argentina's contest with Chile, Japan's final contest against Los Pumas will decide who goes through to the quarter-finals with the thus far undefeated England.

England and Wales are the only two teams so far to cement their spot in the quarter-finals.

As it stands, England are likely to face Fiji while Wales will face either Argentina or Japan.