Kotaru Matsushima scored a late and potentially crucial bonus-point clinching try as Japan remained on track for a place in the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals by winning 38-19 against Samoa.

Hosts Japan, who beat Russia comfortably and stunned Ireland in their opening Pool A games, made it three wins from as many matches in Toyota, moving back to the top of the table.

Timothy Lafaele and Kazuki Himeno touched down for Jamie Joseph's side either side of half-time, while Yu Tamura moved top of the World Cup scoring charts with 18 points off the boot as Samoa were eliminated with their defeat.

Kenki Fukuoka went over in the right corner to cancel out Henry Taefu's 73rd-minute score, before Matsushima crashed in on the left after the gong to boost Japan's chances of making the knockout stages ahead of a crunch clash with Scotland.

Japan started brightly and took an early lead through a pair of penalties from Tamura, but Samoa were back on level terms by the 16th minute –Taefu successful from the tee either side of a missed drop-goal attempt.

Tamura nudged Japan back in front before TJ Ioane was sent to the sin bin for a late tackle and the hosts made the most of their numerical advantage, Michael Leitch – back in the starting line-up after being surprisingly dropped against Ireland – forcing a turnover that preceded Lafaele going over on the left.

Taefu split the posts either side of half-time to reduce the deficit to four points but Himeno touched down off a driving maul from a line-out in the left corner in the 54th minute to send Japan two scores clear.

Samoa upped the pressure and eventually grabbed a try when Taefu went over and converted to take his tally for the match to 19 points.

However, Fukuoka was released on the right and touched down to end any hopes Samoa had of a comeback.

Japan stayed on the front foot and clinched the bonus point at the death when Matsushima got the try his performance deserved.