Winger Kenki Fukuoka has produced two pieces of individual brilliance, as a high-paced hosts Japan advanced to the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals for the first time with a 28-21 victory over Scotland at Yokohama.
Sunday's win ensured Japan finished atop Pool A and will face Pool B runners-up South Africa in Tokyo next Sunday, with Ireland facing Pool B winners New Zealand on the same ground next Saturday.
Fukuoka scored tries either side of halftime, as the tournament hosts were roared on by a sea of red-and-white jersey-wearing fans at Yokohama Stadium with a frenetic attacking game and ferocious defence.
Loosehead prop Keita Inagaki and Kotaro Matsushima also scored tries for the tournament hosts, who had to withstand a furious finish by Scotland, as they battled back from 28-7 down with 30 minutes remaining.
The quarter-finals are confirmed.
England v Australia
New Zealand v Ireland
Wales v France
Japan v South Africa
Japan 28 (Kenki Fukuoka 2, Keita Inagaki, Kotaro Matsushima tries Yu Tamura 4 cons) Scotland 21 (Zander Fagerson, WP Nel, Finn Russell tries Greig Laidlaw 2, Russell cons) at Nissan Stadium.
Join us for live updates of all Rugby World Cup quarter-final matches next weekend.
Reuters
