Eddie Jones hails Japan performance at Rugby World Cup

Japan coach Eddie Jones has insisted that it would be a "fantastic achievement" if his side were to reach the last eight of the Rugby World Cup.

The Brave Blossoms, who had only won two matches in the previous 24 years of the competition's history, stunned two-time champions South Africa on the opening weekend before thrashing Samoa in Newcastle last Saturday.

While Japan's fate rests on whether Scotland can beat Samoa, Jones has suggested that the Asian country has had enjoyed a great tournament, regardless of the outcome.

He told reporters: "As I've said to the players, if we leave here with three wins and we do make the quarter-finals it's been a fantastic achievement.

"If we have three wins and don't make the quarter-finals we might be the only team that have ever won three games and not make the quarter-finals."

Japan face the United States in the final match of the pool stage at Kingsholm on Sunday evening.