Japan survived a ferocious fightback by 14-man Samoa to win 28-22 in Toulouse on Thursday, tightening their grip on second place in World Cup Pool D and ensuring leaders England would reach the quarter-finals.

Japan were more disciplined in defence and more dangerous in attack as they built a 17-point lead with a man advantage with 15 minutes to go. But Samoa struck twice as Japan ended up clinging on to their World Cup hopes.

Japan can ensure they join England in the quarter-finals if they beat Argentina on the last day of pool matches on October 8. Samoa, who play England last, require Chile to upset Argentina to stand a chance.

"It is knockout footy for us, we have got to try beat a tough Argentina team next week," said Japan full-back Lomano Lemeki.

Thursday's game pivoted on a period of 16 minutes on either side of half time which brought three tries, two for Japan and one for Samoa and three cards, one for Japan and two for Samoa, the second of which, for Ben Lam, turned into red.

Jonathan Taumateine trudged off in the 32nd minute after earning a yellow card for knocking a Japanese player over in the build up to the try.

But as Samoa launched another series of bludgeoning assaults, veteran Japanese hooker Shota Horie remained upright as he tackled Duncan Paia'aua. Their heads clashed and Horie saw yellow and Samoa seized their chance.

Samoa kicked the penalty into touch and from the lineout rolled the Japanese backward in a maul that moved at a brisk walking pace.

Seilala Lam touched down, but Christian Leali'ifano missed the conversion and the half ended with Japan 17-8 ahead.

Shortly after the two teams were restored to full strength, Samoa centre Ben Lam flew high into a tackle on Labuschagne and saw yellow - which soon became red on review.

With 15 minutes left, and at 25-8 down, Samoa began to turn visits to the Japanese half into points.

Brian Alainu'u'ese and McFarland punched holes in the Japanese defence and Paia'aua scored in the corner.

Leali'ifano converted and with a minute left, powered over for a try and then converted. Samoa had saved their pride but not the game. (AFP)