Rugby-Japan beat Samoa to keep last eight hopes alive, England through to quarters

Rugby Union - Rugby World Cup 2023 - Pool D - Japan v Samoa - Stadium Municipal de Toulouse, Toulouse, France - September 28, 2023 Samoa's Tumua Manu in action with Japan's Jone Naikabula REUTERS/Stephane Mahe

(Reuters) - Japan boosted their chances of reaching the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals for the second successive time as they beat an ill disciplined Samoa 28-22 in Toulouse, a result which sent England through to the last eight on Thursday.

Tries by Pieter Labuschagne, Michael Leitch, Kazuki Himeno and 13 points from the boot of Rikiya Matsuda gave Japan a comprehensive victory as they leapfrogged their opponents into second place in Pool D with nine points.