Ayumu Goromaru inspires Japan to resounding victory over Samoa

Japan have cruised to victory against Samoa in Pool B of the Rugby World Cup, brushing their opponents aside 26-5 to keep their qualification hopes alive.

They opened the scoring with eight minutes on the clock through Ayumu Goromaru's penalty kick before being awarded a penalty try in the 23rd minute.

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Goromaru calmly converted to make it 10-0, and it was not long before indisciplined Samoa shot themselves in the foot again.

The tournament's top scorer added another penalty in the 34th minute, before Akihito Yamada went over for a try for minutes later.

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Two further penalties from Goromaru in the 48th and 59th minutes added some gloss to the scoreline, before Samoa reduced the deficit with a try of their own.

Paul Perez raced clear in the 64th minute after collecting a pass from Tusi Pisi but it proved little consolation for his team, who were well beaten by a Japanese side that moves up to second place in Pool B.