Story highlights Scotland edges Samoa 36-33

Qualifies for quarterfinals of RWC

Japan exits tournament

Australia beats Wales to top Pool A

(CNN) Scotland captain Greig Laidlaw's late try saw them edge battling Samoa 36-33 Saturday to cruelly dash the hopes of Japan reaching the Rugby World Cup quarterfinals for the first time.

Laidlaw, who scored 26 of Scotland's points, crossed in the 74th minute and converted it to leave his team 10 points clear.

There was still time for Samoa to hit back with its fourth try of a pulsating match -- Motu Matu'u going over for a converted effort --but Scotland ran down the clock to score a nail biting victory.

It left coach Vern Cotter's team an unassailable six points clear of Japan, which plays its final Pool B against the United States Sunday.

STANDINGS #SCO seal their place in the last eight of #RWC2015 with a thrilling 36-33 victory over #SAM in Newcastle pic.twitter.com/vB1R7JOKQ3 — Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 10, 2015

South Africa, sensationally beaten by the Japanese Cherry Blossoms in the opening match, went through at the top of the group with Scotland in second place.

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