Japan and the USA fought valiantly despite neither being able to reach the quarter finals which, in turn resulted in quite the entertaining match up in this final game of the round stages.
The Japanese were strong in attack out on the edges but the brute force of the USA in the scrums and rucks caused havoc for the Land of the Rising Sun.
An early try laid the foundation for Japan but the USA fought back to score a try of their own but the missed conversion only had them up by one. Before Japan scored again to take the lead and a late penalty took them into the half time break.
The USA battled throughout the second half but their inability to capitalise on field position hurt them badly. In the end Japan ran out 10 point winners and finished an agonising third spot in their group only separated by bonus points.
Final Score
Japan – 28
USA – 18
Japan will be looking to gain an unlikely top two finish in their Pool B clash with the USA who will be fighting to pick up their first victory in this World Cup. Join The Roar for live scores of the action from Kingsholm from 6:00am (AEDT).
Although the Japanese will be relying on a Samoan upset of Scotland, they are still within reach of a historic quarter finals berth. While the US have had a tough tournament they’ll be looking to end it on a high note with their first World Cup victory since their defeat of Russia in the 2011 edition.
Japan are coming off the back of a dominant victory against higher ranked Samoa and have been in historical form through the pool stages after, of course, their monumental triumph over South Africa in the opening game of Pool B.
After a hard fought, but ultimately disappointing, loss to Samoa the US were swiftly taken care of by Scotland in a one sided affair. However, they will be coming into this Japanese clash on the heels of a mammoth 64 point loss to the Springboks which will have no doubt crushed their confidence.
Although Japan are on a hot streak and sit at $1.14 favourites because of it, USA are undefeated against Japan at World Cups and also beat the land of the rising sun the last time they met earlier this year. So the US will undoubtedly be looking to carry history with them into this clash.
Despite their fairytale tournament, Japan (and former Wallaby) coach Eddie Jones still believes they haven’t reached their full potential, saying “We still haven’t played as well as we can at the World Cup and that’s the disappointing thing”, and if that wasn’t enough to frighten the Eagles then Jones’ specific targeting might just do the job: “We’re looking to play our best game against the USA”.
The US will be aggressive against the Japanese and should produce one of their strongest showings this World Cup. However, Japan are coming into the contest with form on their side, and with a chance to make history with a finals placing – I just can’t see Japan losing their motivation or the match on Monday morning.
Can Japan continue one of the best underdog stories in World Cup history? Or will the pace and determination of a winless United States pull out an upset?
Find out by joining me on The Roar Monday morning at 6:00am (AEDT) for all the big plays and exciting action.
Connor Bennett
Editor
Test
Blinky Bill of Bellingen NSW
Guest
I like to watch the NHK TV - Japan channel - on Foxtel and it's clear that the 3 wins by Japan at this RWC has got many fans very excited. Hopefully it'll help spark more interest in Rugby in the Land of the Rising Yen. I've no doubt that Japan will use their success to help them put on a really fantastic 2019 Rugby World Cup. I'm wondering who their new coach will be. Can Eddie Jones be persuaded to go around again?
Woodsman
Roar Rookie
Great effort Japan, very unlucky to win 3 games and still miss out on a QF spot. That short turn around against Scotland was a real killer.
Connor Bennett
Editor
Thanks for joining this morning and I hope you enjoyed the game. Make sure to join The Roar for all the action of the finals coming up!
Connor Bennett
Editor
Man of the Match for the second time this tournament is Goromaru
Connor Bennett
Editor
What was predicted to be an exciting match up certainly proved to be just that. Although a lot of the first half was slowed down by scrums, the majority of the game was very free flowing and open which is always great to see as a viewer and fan of the game. USA will be disappointed that they couldn't leave on a win and Japan couldn't have possibly done anything more for their campaign and are extremely unlucky to miss out on the finals.
Connor Bennett
Editor
It doesn't often happen that a team wins so many games but still misses the finals. Very unlucky for the Blossoms
Lostintokyo
Guest
Great call Connor. Thank you.
Lostintokyo
Guest
It's just sun up in the land of the rising sun. One loss and it was costly. Four days rest to take on Scotland was too short. Wallabies should be wary of Scotland. Good side.
Connor Bennett
Editor
JAPAN WIN!! USA 18-28 JAP Full Time Japan run the clock down and kick it into the stands to pick up their third victory of this world cup but will still unfortunately miss out on the prized finals spot. USA end their tournament without a win but can go home knowing they put in a big effort in this last game.
Lostintokyo
Guest
Great game of rugby.
Connor Bennett
Editor
Oh but USA's slippery hands have let them down again as they knock it on and Japan plays on and runs it up to half way 79'
Connor Bennett
Editor
Penalty to USA for Japan not rolling away 45m out
Connor Bennett
Editor
USA retrieve the ball in Japans half off their own kickoff, it's not over yet! 77'
Connor Bennett
Editor
PENALTY JAPAN!! Sinks it comfortably from 45m out to extend Japans lead past the converted try USA 18-28 JAPAN 77'
Lostintokyo
Guest
Goromaru a sharp shooter.
Connor Bennett
Editor
Japan are stuck in the middle of the field. Struggling to get over the advantage line. Penalty to Japan!! USA coming in from the side, this will set up a penalty goal
Lostintokyo
Guest
Get this and it should be enough.
Connor Bennett
Editor
Japan are stuck in the middle of the field. Struggling to get over the advantage line
Lostintokyo
Guest
Shot.