Japan top United States to end RWC with 3 wins

GLOUCESTER, England (Oct. 11)- Japan became the first team to win three games at a Rugby World Cup and not progress to the knockout stage as they beat the United States 28-18 on an emotional night at Kingsholm.

Going into the Pool B game – the last game of the group stage – knowing they were unable to make the last eight, and against a side desperate for their first win in the competition, the Brave Blossoms dug deep and outscored their opponents three tries to two.

The standing ovation from one of the most passionate and knowledgeable crowds in England at the end of a pulsating 80 minutes told the story of the evening and the tournament.

Kotaro Matsushima, Yoshikazu Fujita and Amanaki Lelei Mafi all crossed the whitewash for Eddie Jones’ team with Ayumu Goromaru adding three penalty goals and two conversions.

Fullback Goromaru won his second man-of-the-match award of the tournament but it was, as it has been all along, very much a team effort.

The Eagles fought gallantly and got tries from Takudzwa Ngwenya and Chris Wyles, with AJ MacGinty adding two penalties and a conversion.

But they were up against a side set on making history.

Luke Thompson led the tackle count with 15, Michael Leitch made 14 and Craig Wing nine.

The trio also led the team in ball carries with 14, 14 and 13, respectively.

Meanwhile, Matsushima made 43 metres as did Kosei Ono, while Mafi made 35 in the 40 minutes he was on the field.