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

Japan 28-22 Samoa: Japan held off 14-man Samoa to set up a shootout against Argentina for a quarter-final place

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.

Japan vs Samoa - Rugby World Cup live updates

• Japan edge past 14-man Samoa 28-22 in Pool D of the Rugby World Cup
• Japan set up likely winner-take-all clash for quarter-final place against Argentina
• Ben Lam red card: Why was Samoa star sent off against Japan?
• FULL-TIME! Japan 28-22 Samoa
• 78’ - TRY! Leali’ifano sets up thrilling finale (JPN 28-22 SAM)
• 64’ - TRY! Paia’aua brings 14-man Samoa closer (JPN 25-15 SAM)
• 50’ - RED CARD! Lam’s yellow card upgraded to red for contact to the head (JPN 22-8 SAM)
• 48’ - TRY! Himeno goes over from another driving maul (JPN 22-8 SAM)
• 37’ - TRY! Lam dots down at the back of a rolling maul to narrow the gap (JPN 17-8 SAM)
• 31’ - TRY! Veteran Leitch dives over in the corner (JPN 17-3 SAM)
• 13’ - TRY! Labuschagne burrows over from close range (JPN 7-0 SAM)

[28 September 2023 18:57 · Luke Baker]

Japan vs Samoa referee: Who is Rugby World Cup official Jaco Peyper

South Africa’s Jaco Peyper is one of the referees at this year’s Rugby World Cup.

The vastly experienced official returns for a third tournament having also overseen games at the 2015 and 2019 editions.

Here’s everything you need to know about tonight’s referee:

[28 September 2023 18:45 · Luke Baker]

Samoa team news

There are four Samoan changes as Seilala Mapusua contends with a six-day turnaround from a defeat in the wet against Argentina.

Up front, Steven Luatua and Brian Alainu’uese, drop out, with Theo McFarland pushed forward into the second row to allow both Taleni Seu and Jordan Taufua to come into the back row.

There’s a reshuffle in the backline as well: Nigel Ah Wong and Ulupano Seuteni drop out, with Ed Fidow taking over on the wing and D’Angelo Leuila offering an extra midfield playmaking option alongside Tumua Manu.

Samoa XV: James Lay, Seilala Lam, Paul Alo-Emile; Chris Vui (captain), Theo McFarland; Taleni Seu, Fritz Lee, Jordan Taufua; Jonathan Taumateine, Christian Leali’ifano; Ben Lam, D’Angelo Leuila, Tumua Manu, Ed Fidow; Duncan Paia’aua.

Replacements: Sama Malolo, Jordan Lay, Michael Alaalatoa, Steven Luatua, Alamanda Motuga; Melani Matavao, Neria Fomai, Danny Toala.

[28 September 2023 18:34 · Luke Baker]

Japan team news

Japan coach Jamie Joseph makes two backline changes to the side that started against England in Nice.

Full-back Semisi Masirewa suffered an injury five minutes into that game, so Lomano Lemeki steps into the starting team, while Dylan Riley is preferred to Tomoki Osada in the centres.

Seungsin Lee, who scored 17 points in the Pacific Nations Cup meeting between these two sides, is in line for a World Cup debut off the bench.

Japan XV: Keita Inagaki, Shota Horie, Jiwon Gu; Jack Cornelsen, Amato Fakatava; Michael Leitch, Pieter ‘Lappies’ Labuschagne, Kazuki Himeno (captain); Yutaka Nagare, Rikiya Matsuda; Jone Naikabula, Ryoto Nakamura, Dylan Riley, Kotaro Matsushima; Lomano Lemeki.

Replacements: Atsushi Sakate, Craig Millar, Asaeli Ai Valu, Warner Dearns, Kanji Shimokawa; Naoto Saito, Seungsin Lee, Tomoki Osada

[28 September 2023 18:25 · Luke Baker]

When is Japan vs Samoa and how can I watch it?

When is Japan vs Samoa?

Japan vs Samoa is due to kick off at 8pm BST on Thursday 28 September at the Stadium de Toulouse.

How can I watch it?

Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the Pool D fixture live on ITV4, with coverage on the channel from 7.15pm BST. Registered users can also stream the action for free via ITVX.

If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch the event, you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN round-up is here to help and includes deals on VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are and also with the terms of their service provider.

[28 September 2023 18:18 · Luke Baker]

Is Japan vs Samoa on TV? Channel, start time and how to watch Rugby World Cup fixture

Japan and Samoa meet in an intriguing Pool D clash at the Rugby World Cup.

Both sides are still in with a quarter-final shot despite defeats to England and Argentina respectively last time out.

Samoa face Steve Borthwick’s side in their final pool game and back-to-back wins could be enough to take them through, while Japan’s meeting with Los Pumas on 8 October could become a last-eight play-off if victory is achieved here.

These two last met in the Pacific Nations Cup in July, with Samoa edging a hard-fought encounter 24-22.

Here’s everything you need to know.

[28 September 2023 17:59 · Luke Baker]

Japan vs Samoa

Welcome to The Independent’s coverage of Japan vs Samoa in Pool D of the Rugby World Cup. Both sides can still qualify for the quarter-finals but victory this evening is a must.

Stick with us for full live coverage of an intriguing encounter in Toulouse.