Japan head coach Eddie Jones has suggested that his side's Rugby World Cup quarter-final hopes hinge on their meeting with Samoa in Milton Keynes on October 3.
The Brave Blossoms were unable to follow up their stunning victory over South Africa when they took on Scotland this afternoon, conceding five tries in the second half on their way to a 45-10 defeat.
Pool B remains wide open going into the second weekend of the tournament, and Jones made no secret of his desire to see Samoa physically tested when they take on the Springboks on Saturday.
Asked where the Scotland loss leaves their quarter-final chances, Jones told Sports Mole: "It's just Samoa in 10 days. If we knock Samoa off in 10 days then we stand a fantastic chance, if we can't knock Samoa off then we have no chance, so it's all about the Samoa game.
"Hopefully South Africa and Samoa get into a UFC fight! That's what we're hoping for. Samoa have got seven days' [rest] before they face us, so what comes around goes around."
Jones also refused to use fatigue as an excuse for his side, despite Japan having just four days to recover between their opening two matches of the tournament.
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