Rugby: Japan top Scotland to reach 1st World Cup quarterfinals english.kyodonews.net

(Kenki Fukuoka)(Kotaro Matsushima)With so many mathematical permutations as to who would join Ireland in the quarterfinals, Japan made things simple as their explosive, skillful rugby eventually proved too much for Scotland.
"First and foremost, credit to Japan because they held the ball really well in the first half and scored some good tries," said Scotland captain Greig Laidlaw.
With prop Koo Ji Won forced from the field in the 21st minute, Japan had to adjust.
Japan's 21 points were their most ever in the first half of a Rugby World Cup match.
But it was beyond them, and the Japan celebrations began just seconds after 80 minutes showed on the clock.