YOKOHAMA - Winger Kenki Fukuoka produced two pieces of individual brilliance as a high-paced Japan advanced to the Rugby World Cup quarterfinals for the first time with a 28-21 victory over Scotland at Yokohama on Sunday.
%%%twitter https://twitter.com/JRFURugby?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JRFURugbyplayers celebrate reaching the Rugby World Cup Quarter-finals for the first time in history #JPNvSCO #RWC2019 pic.twitter.com/qOURyPGJBV
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup)
The win ensured Japan finished top of Pool A and will face Pool B runners-up South Africa in Tokyo next Sunday, with Ireland facing Pool B winners New Zealand on the same ground next Saturday.
Fukuoka scored tries either side of halftime as the tournament hosts were roared on by a sea of red and white jersey-wearing fans at Yokohama Stadium with a frenetic attacking game and ferocious defence.
Loosehead prop Keita Inagaki and Kotaro Matsushima also scored tries for the tournament hosts, who had to withstand a furious finish by Scotland as they battled back from 28-7 down with 30 minutes remaining.