'It’s exciting how wide open the pool'

Samoa assistant coach Andrew Goodman has called for “a performance we can be proud of” in their crucial Rugby World Cup clash with Japan.

Samoa have one bonus-point win and one defeat from their two Pool D matches so far and a victory on Thursday night would boost their hopes of reaching the quarter-finals for the first time since 1995.

But should they lose to Japan, who have the same record after two games, it would likely end their hopes of progressing as both teams battle with Argentina for a place in the last eight.

And Leinster assistant coach Goodman was wary of overhyping Thursday’s fixture.

“It’s exciting how wide open the pool is with all the results,” Goodman told the BBC.

“Do or die is not the terminology we have used. We have talked about a performance we can be proud of.”

Both sides are coming off the back of a defeat after Japan were beaten 34-12 by group leaders England while Samoa lost 19-10 to Argentina.

Japan, who reached the quarter-finals for the first time four years ago as hosts, are expecting a special occasion.

Defence coach John Mitchell told the BBC: “It’s not just like any other Test match.

“It’s really important on both sides of the ball that we really do show our heart and how much it means to us, and how much this tournament is an opportunity to present a message to the next generation.”