Samoa edges 14-man Japan in Rugby World Cup warmup #Samoa #edges #14man #Japan #Rugby #World #Cup #warmup

SAPPORO, Japan (AP) — Samoa overcame 14-man Japan and a shambolic lineout to win their Pacific Nations Cup test 24-22 on Saturday, just two months before they meet again in the Rugby World Cup.

Despite a red card for flanker Michael Leitch in the 30th minute, Japan led for most of the match under the Sapporo Dome thanks to the boot of Seungsin Lee. But the flyhalf struggled to unleash his backline. Japan’s only try was finished by debut lock Amato Fakatava in the sixth minute.

Samoa got tries from flanker Alamanda Motuga, scrumhalf Jonathan Taumateine and left wing Tumua Manu. Manu beat Kotaro Matsushima to tie the score at 22, and former Wallaby Christian Leali’ifano’s third conversion put them in front for good with 17 minutes to go.

Australian coach Eddie Jones kicks the ball as he warms -up his players ahead of the Rugby Championship test match between Australia and Argentina in Sydney, Australia, Saturday, July 15, 2023. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)

The British and Irish Lions will play a combined Australia-New Zealand team in Adelaide in one of nine matches on their 2025 tour of Australia.

Argentinian players celebrate a try by teammate Juan Martin Gonzalez during the Rugby Championship test match between Australia and Argentina in Sydney, Australia, Saturday, July 15, 2023. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)

A last-minute try to No. 8 Juan Martin Gonzalez gave Argentina a 34-31 Rugby Championship win over Australia after recalled winger Mark Nawaqanitawase appeared to have given the Wallabies a win with a 95-meter intercept try with five minutes remaining.

South Africa's Cheslin Kolbe runs at New Zealand's Ardie Savea during the Rugby Championship test match between the All Blacks and South Africa at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand, Saturday, July 15, 2023. ( Aaron Gillions/Photosport via AP)

New Zealand has beaten South Africa 35-20 to all but claim the Rugby Championship for the third straight year and disrupt the world champion’s buildup to the World Cup.

New Zealand's All Blacks team wave to fans after winning a rugby championship match against Argentina's Los Pumas at Malvinas Argentinas stadium in Mendoza, Argentina, Saturday, July 8, 2023. (AP Photo/Nicolas Aguilera)

After promising starts to the year, the All Blacks and world champion Springboks face a moment of truth in their contest for the Rugby Championship and preparation for the World Cup when they meet Saturday in Auckland.

Leitch was sent off for a shoulder to the head in a double tackle but Lee’s five penalties had Japan leading 22-17 going into the last quarter.

Samoa prevailed in Japan for the first time since 2012 even after taking only seven of 14 throw-ins and being on the defensive for most of the second half.

The teams are due to meet in a third straight World Cup on Sept. 28 in Toulouse.

Meanwhile, in the other Nations Cup match in Lautoka, Fiji beat visiting Tonga 36-20. Fiji started with a penalty try and led 19-0 after 11 minutes. Tonga fought back to trail 19-15 before halftime and 26-20 after the break but Fiji clinched the result with a five-meter pushover try in the last minute.