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Scores
JPN vs SAM
Pacific Nations Cup
Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium, Tokyo
Japan
vs
Samoa
49
FT
27
Action
Lineups
All
Facts Only
All
Full-Time: 49 - 27
Thanks for tuning into Tribe's coverage of this Pacific Nations Cup semi final. Until next time, I'm Dan Gread saying goodbye for now.
Samoa put up a valient effort this afternoon but they let themselves down with handling errors across the park. They had plenty of possession and territory throughout but weren't able to match the attacking speed of Japan who were able to tear them to pieces through the middle at times. Iona and Alosio were their best on show. McFarland had a poor first half but certainly picked up his game in the second 40. They will take on the USA in the 3rd and 4th playoff match next weekend.
Japan were excellent on attack this afternoon. After being up by 15 points at the break, they came out firing in the second half with Shimokawa dotting down. Samoa bounced back with Matavao crashing over, before Fujiwara went on his own snipe. Lalomilo dotted down on the left with pace before Takahashi sealed it late for Japan. Lee and Tatekawa were outstanding for the home side. They run the cutter to perfection directing their side around the park and driving Samoa backwards under pressure. Up front, Dearns was brilliant and involved in everything. That will be a pleasing win for Eddie Jones as he looks forward to next week.
Japan put on an attacking clinic in Tokyo this afternoon and come away with the victory, meaning they will take on Fiji in next week's Pacific Nations Cup Final.
80+1'
Just time for the restart as the hooter sounds. Japan bring down the restart on the right and Koyama puts it into touch! Japan advance to the final!
80'
Lee makes it a perfect afternoon with the boot from out on the right.
49-27 S. Lee
Conversion
80'
79'
THAT WILL DO IT! Japan move it quickly off the back into the middle! Around the back goes Tuitama and the ball ends up outside for Takahashi and he gets to the outside, sliding over in the contact for the try on the right.
47-27 T. Takahashi
Try
79'