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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Imogen Ainsworth

Japan v Samoa LIVE: Rugby World Cup 2023 result and reaction after Ben Lam red card in Samoa defeat

AFP via Getty Images
Uruguay fightback to beat Namibia 36-26 at the World Cup

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.

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.

Samoa, who had Ben Lam red-carded early in the second half and answered with tries by Seilala Lam, Duncan Paia’aua and Christian Leali’ifano as well as points from the tee by Alai D’Angelo Leuila and Leali’ifano, are third on six points.

With 14 points, England will finish top of the pool. Fourth-placed Argentina are expected to add to their four points when they meet Chile on Saturday before a potential second-place decider against Japan in the last round of group games.

Relive the match below, get all the Rugby World Cup odds here and the latest tips and free bets on the World Cup here.

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