Japan 26
Samoa 5

Japan have given themselves a fighting chance of making an appearance in the World Cup quarter final with a convincing win over Samoa in Pool B.

Ayumu Goromaru became the competition's leading points scorer as he took his tally up to 45 points and played a starring role in the Asian side's 21 point victory.

Goromaru scored four penalties and converted both tries, one a penalty, the other coming courtesy of Akihito Yamada, to give his side hope of a quarter final berth.

Samoa conceded nine penalties in the opening 40 minutes – seven in their own territory - to give Japan a 20-0 lead at the break.

Paul Perez offered the Pacific Islanders the only consolation with Samoa's only try and score of the day.

The win moves Japan up to eight points in their pool, ahead of the Springboks on seven points and two behind leaders Scotland.