The United States loses to Japan but its Rugby World Cup hopes remain alive

The United States rugby team will face Samoa in a playoff for fifth place after losing 47-21 to Japan in the final pool match of the Pacific Nations Cup, finishing last in Pool B. Japan and Fiji have already qualified for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, while the U.S. must win against Samoa to secure a spot, with captain Jason Damm emphasizing the need to learn and move forward after the defeat.

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