Japan forwards coach Steve Borthwick has acknowledged the importance of his side's Rugby World Cup showdown with Samoa on October 3.
The Brave Blossoms dropped to third in Pool B as a result of their 45-10 loss at the hands of Scotland this afternoon, although their stunning victory over South Africa in their opening game means that they are still in the mix to reach the knockout rounds.
Victory over Samoa is a must if they are to keep alive their hopes of a maiden quarter-final berth, although Borthwick hinted that the bonus points picked up by South Africa in defeat and Scotland in victory could also prove important.
When asked how big the Samoa match was, Borthwick, who played in three World Cup group games for England, told Sports Mole: "Oh it's huge. It's huge. It's going to be a really interesting group. It's going to be an interesting tournament but this is a really interesting group now, how it's going to pan out.
"The bonus point for South Africa last week, the bonus point Scotland got today - they might be important at the end of it."
Japan head coach Eddie Jones also talked up the importance of the fixture, suggesting that it was a make-or-break game for his side.
Barney Corkhill
