As Japan continue their push toward the Rugby World Cup quarterfinals, they can count on support from a number of Samoan fans who said Sunday they would back the hosts following their victory over Manu Samoa.

With their 39-18 win at City of Toyota Stadium on Saturday, Japan ended the Pacific islanders' bid to advance from Pool A.

More than 50 Manu Samoa fans gathered until the early hours of Sunday morning at a bar in central Apia to watch the match, for which Japan was awarded a potentially important bonus point for scoring four tries.

"It was a good match to watch. It was tight for the most part and I thought Samoa did well despite getting a yellow card early on," said Areta Tanoai, 36.

(Areta Tanoai)

"At halftime I was pretty confident (that we could win), but now I'm supporting Japan."

Tanoai said Japan was the obvious team to support in the finals because "everyone loves an underdog."

"It's like a fairytale for them," he said.

Saint Moevao, 27, said he would also support Japan now that Manu Samoa are certain to miss the quarterfinals following two pool-stage losses.

"It's my dream to see a Japan versus New Zealand final," Moevao said.

"New Zealand and Japan use similar tactics, so it would be good (to watch)."

But fans said they would continue cheering for Samoa in their last pool match against Ireland on Saturday.

"It's easy to criticise your team, but you've got to be proud of your players," Tanoai said.

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