Greig Laidlaw’s boot dashes Samoan and Japanese hopes as Scotland stage thrilling victory
Scots come from behind for a 36-33 victory to reach Rugby World Cup quarter-finals
Scotland came from behind to beat Samoa 36-33 on Saturday and go through to the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals, sorely testing the nerves of their legions of fans at St James Park and ending Japan's hopes of progressing.
Samoa, desperate to end their disappointing tournament on a high, outscored their opponents by four tries to three in a thrilling contest, but were undone as they conceded a series of careless penalties in the second half.
It was pretty surreal. That’s why we play rugby, for the pressure
They were punished by the boot of Greig Laidlaw, who scored a decisive try late in the second-half and kicked 21 points to send the Scots into a last eight meeting with Australia or Wales at Twickenham on October 18.
"It was pretty surreal. That's why we play rugby, for the pressure," said Scottish flanker and man of the match John Hardie, describing the frenetic final minutes.
Japan had been hoping for a Samoa victory that, combined with a win over the United States in their final pool match today, would have sent the Brave Blossoms into the knockout stages for the first time.
The Scots settled after a wild first half in which they conceded three tries and their defensive line was broken at will by the Pacific islanders, who led 26-23 at the break.