Scotland show their steel in Kobe to shut out Samoa and claim try-bonus point

Scotland remain 6-4 to qualify for the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals and 33-1 to win Pool A despite beating Samoa 34-0 in Kobe and claiming the try bonus point they craved to kick-start their campaign.

Gregor Townsend's charges were beaten 27-3 by Ireland in their opener and an eight-day break and sweeping changes looked to be making little difference when they lead the Pacific Islanders only 3-0 after 25 minutes in sweltering conditions under the Misaki Stadium roof.

However, left wing Sean Maitland caught a pinpoint Finn Russell cross-kick just before the half-hour and stretched over. Scrum-half Greig Laidlaw then scampered under the posts and converted his own five-pointer and full-back Stuart Hogg dropped a goal to give them a 20-0 half-time lead.

After the break, Scotland were awarded two penalty tries by referee Pascal Gauzere, the second of which saw Samoa wing Ed Fidow sent off for a second yellow card after he slid in with his knees rather than attempting to tackle Maitland as he dived over in the corner.

Ireland are 8-11 to win the pool despite their shock defeat on Saturday to hosts Japan, who are 6-4 to take the group spoils and 4-7 to reach the last eight.

Johnny Sexton is expected to return at fly-half for Ireland against Russia in Kobe on Thursday while the Brave Blossoms tackle Samoa in Toyota before a Yokohama showdown with Scotland in their finale. The Bears get a 54-point handicap start from Ireland.

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