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Japan head coach Jamie Joseph will ready his side for a \u201cGrand Final\u201d showdown against Argentina as they kept alive hopes of reaching the World Cup knock-out stages with a 28-22 win over 14-man Samoa in Toulouse, which saw England\u2019s qualification secured.<\/p>\n
Victory for the Brave Blossoms, who lead 17-8 at half-time, confirmed England as Pool D winners ahead of the final round of fixtures.<\/p>\n
Japan \u2013 having reached the last eight for the first time four years ago as hosts \u2013 face Argentina, who are expected to comfortably beat winless Chile on Saturday to put themselves into an all-or-nothing clash in Nantes next weekend.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was a really tough game and we had to work hard to get the win. Hats off to the Samoan boys \u2013 they really took it to us,\u201d Joseph said, as quoted on the official Rugby World Cup website.<\/p>\n
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\u201cThey got on top of us at times and we had to really keep at it for the whole game. The commitment was certainly there, but there were one or two things to work on for next week.\u201d<\/p>\n
Joseph added: \u201cThat will be our Grand Final, we get an opportunity to play a tier-one team.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have been there a bit before and I know our guys will be really excited for that one, but it is going to be another tough one.\u201d<\/p>\n
Samoa saw winger Ben Lam receive a yellow card early in the second half for a dangerous tackle into the side of Pieter Labuschagne\u2019s head, which was upgraded to red following a bunker review by the TMO.<\/p>\n
Samoa, who cannot progress following the defeat, face Pool D winners England in their final group-satge match in Lille on October 7.<\/p>\n
Samoa head coach Seilala Mapusua said: \u201cI\u2019m really proud of the guys. The effort they put into the game, I couldn\u2019t have asked for more.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut it\u2019s tough playing a game against 15 men and to be down a man with the red card. Unfortunate for Ben, it was just one of those contacts in the game.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mapusua admitted his side\u2019s discipline problems were \u201cvery concerning\u201d and they would have to regroup as they prepare to face Steve Borthwick\u2019s men.<\/p>\n
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He added: \u201cWe have got to be technically correct otherwise we will be punished.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have seen that in the last three games, but not just our games throughout the competition. We are hopeful we can get it right next week.\u201d<\/p>\n