Japan look to end RWC 2015 on high after last 8 hopes dashed

GLOUCESTER, England (Oct. 10) – Japan will be heading home after their final Pool B game against the United States on Sunday.

Scotland’s 36-33 win over Samoa on Saturday means the Brave Blossoms will finish the pool stage in third spot.

Earlier, head coach Eddie Jones said the team would approach their final game in the same manner, no matter whether a quarterfinal spot was on the line or not.

“I don’t worry about what we can’t control. All we can do is win three games of rugby. We can’t decide whether we get to the quarterfinal,” he said.

Jones said the Americans would be tough opponents.

“We’re anticipating a tough game against the USA. They’ve got to play for pride tomorrow.”

“The (Scotland v Samoa) game doesn’t affect us. We have to beat the USA who play really good rugby. Whether we’re playing for a spot in the quarterfinals or just a win, it doesn’t matter. Obviously it would be nice to play in a quarterfinal, but it doesn’t affect how we prepare for this game.”

The Eagles beat Japan back in July in the Pacific Nations Cup and in their two previous World Cup matches and Jones said they would be fired up for the game at Kingsholm.

“They have one chance to redeem themselves in the World Cup and we have one chance to be remembered as the greatest ever Japan team. Motivation is important in the last game as players are physically tired and there are lots of players with little injuries.”

Craig Wing will be playing his first game of the tournament and the Japan centre said he was looking forward to it.

“As I said to the players, they’ve set a really high standard of rugby over this tournament and I’m really looking forward to getting in there and maintaining that standard.”