Rugby World Cup 2015: Eddie Jones praises ‘dominant’ Japan victory

Despite failing to pick up a point in their first three pool games, Fiji have been one of the best tier two sides, and have pushed England, Australia and Wales hard.

The Japanese scored only a penalty try with conversion while they enjoyed the two-man advantage, but even with a 10-0 lead their control was unwavering against a sloppy and ill-disciplined Samoa.

Japan totally deserved that win and Eddie Jones has certainly proved what an excellent job he’s done with them.

Following up on an interview he did with Kyodo News earlier this week, Gosper said while “the ambitious business model had been made fragile” by the withdrawal of the new National Stadium, World Rugby are “happy where we are at”. They need to refocus on remember their strengths, they have not become bad teams overnight, they have world class players and a strategy to implement. I think a few time today or tomorrow we will look at ourselves and analyse.

Their slim hopes of staying in the race to the wire disappeared when South Africa – who thrashed them 46-6 a week after the Japanese had caused the greatest upset in World Cup history by beating the two-time champions Springboks – beat Scotland on Saturday. “We are very aware of their strengths”.

“The sport is set up for a growth spurt in Japan, having the World Cup in 2019 gives that concrete target to aim for”.

Joking that England may soon come calling for Borthwick’s services, Jones said that the Englishman’s “attention to detail is incredible”. “No, he got knocked out, it looks like he’s OK now”. “It’s a huge game this weekend and another huge game the following week if we get through”.

Samoa assistant coach Alama Ieremia knows neutrals around the world will want the Japanese to march on again.

Finally, though, the Samoans put a thrilling and fluent passing move together ending in Perez going over in the far left hand corner.

Japan face a nervous 24 hours as they await the full extent of injuries to Hitoshi Ono and Male Sa’u.

“What was also fantastic to see was the community stadium we built in the fanzone being used by young and old throughout the day”.

Manu Samoa contributed to their downfall.

Samoa were rattled and their frustration turned to indiscipline as two players were handed yellow cards in the space of three minutes, the first to number eight Faifili Levave for a nasty challenge on Goromaru and the second to prop Sakaria Taulafo after he tackled Yamada in the air.

Samoa defended brilliantly with 13 men, holding up Japan six times, but the penalty try was nearly inevitable.