Top Performers: Japan vs Scotland
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Japan stunned the world by becoming the first Asia nation to reach the quarter-finals of the Rugby World Cup as they beat Scotland 28-21 on Sunday.
Before the game kicked off, Japan were aiming to make it out of the pool stages of a RWC for the first time in their history as they come into this game on the back of five successive victories in the competition.
Jamie Joseph’s men put in a thrilling first half display which evidently ended up winning them the match as they went into half-time 21-7 in the lead.
Here are our Top Performers of the match:
Kenki Fukuoka (Japan)
The winger was absolutely unplayable and was deservedly named Man of the Match by the commentators. Fukuoka made 110 metres, beat seven defenders, had three clean line breaks and scored two fantastic tries, one he setup himself.
A staggering performance from Kenki Fukuoka earned him the @mastercard Player of the Match award against Scotland
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 13, 2019
110 metres made(most in the match)
3 Clean Breaks (most in the match)
7 Defenders Beaten (#1)
2 Tries (most in match#POTM #StartSomethingPriceless #RWC2019 pic.twitter.com/MeeD70xsDa
Fukuoka two tries:
The old rip-and-run! Fukuoka with his second
— ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) October 13, 2019
It's a long, long way back for Scotland now#ITVRugby #RWC2019 #JPNvSCO pic.twitter.com/HViv1SuFkM
What a take from Fukuoka!
— ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) October 13, 2019
Confirmed his status as a national hero with the winner against Ireland... gold plates it tonight pic.twitter.com/FlL2eQWI1q
Timothy Lafaele (Japan)
The centre did not get on the score sheet but boy did he get through some work. The No. 13 made 85 metres with ball in hand and setup a beautiful try. Defending was not his strong point in this encounter as he only made 58% of his tackles but one cant take away his 14 carries in the match.
Kotaro Matsushima (Japan)
The South African born winger had another stormer and also kept his impressive scoring record alive. Matsushima drew level with Josh Adams in top try scorers competition, and he also made exceptional amount of metres in the match (78 m).
Matsushima try:
Absolute wheels!
— ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) October 13, 2019
Matsushima finishes off a lovely combination move down the left and Japan are well and truly back in it#ITVRugby #RWC2019 #JPNvSCO pic.twitter.com/Tb7gXY4B8N
Jamie Joseph (Japan Coach)
The progress Japan has made under Joseph has been incredible and to get his side out of this pool is something special and deserves credit.
Hear from @JRFURugby's coach Jamie Joseph as he reflects on a brilliant victory 👏
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 13, 2019
🗣"There's a lot of people that have done a lot of hard work. The guys have a lot of belief now and realise what it actually takes to get across the line." #RWC2019 #JPNvSCO #RWCYokohama pic.twitter.com/7lroHvoNYf
