Scotland captain Greig Laidlaw scored 26 points in his sides scintilating 36-33win over Samoa at St James' Park.

In a game which saw the lead exchange hands on a number of ocassions, Laidlaw's try with five minutes left on the clock, which he duly converted, finally put some distance between the sides despite a late Samoan try. 

This result sees Scotland through to the quarter-finals, where they know they will face Australia, with Samoa handed their third straight defeat despite an incredible performance with nothing on the line for the Pacific Islanders but pride. 

The result also ends Japan's hopes of reaching the knockout stages, meaning even if they beat USA tomorrow evening, three wins out of four won't be enough for qualification. 

Frantic start sets St James' alight

Both sides came out of the blocks at an incredible pace, with four tries scored in the opening quarter of the game. 

After the sides traded early penalties, Samoa's Tusi Pisi crossed for the games first try, yet before they had time to sit on their lead, Scotland got a try of their own through winger Tommy Seymour. 

Stephen Betham's side continued their fantastic start to the game, with another pair of tries scored by hooker Ma'atulimanu Leiataua and Cardiff Blues' Rey Lee-Lo. 

Laidlaw kept the Scottish score ticking to keep them in touch, and they got back level just after the half-hour mark when John Hardie crossed for a try, despite his side being down to 14 men with Ryan Wilson in the sin-bin. 

The 49 points scored in the first-half broke a Rugby World Cup record, but neither side was bothered about that, with a Pisi penalty giving Samoa the lead. 

Laidlaw leads from front to book knockout spot

The second-half didn't see quite as many points as the opening 40, but it wasn't short of the drama as Scotland chased the essential victory.

A pair of Laidlaw wrestled back the lead with a pair of quickfire penalties after the 50th minute, with the scrum-half then scooting over for a try in the 74th minute to give Scotland a two-score lead against the tiring Samoans. 

Motu Matu'u gave the Scots a scare when he scored a try with two minutes left on the clock, but it was too little too late as Samoa fell three points short and Scotland booked their passage to the next round.