So the USA Rugby World Cup comes down to Japan, as it so often does.

Japan wants to go 3-1 and get at least a shot at a quarterfinal place. The Eagles just want to win a game.

“It’s pretty important,” said USA captain and fullback Chris Wyles. “We came into this World Cup with pretty high expectations of ourselves so this is a defining game for us."

Wyles said the success of Japan in beating South Africa and Samoa didn’t surprise him, even though the Eagles logged a 23-18 victory over the Brave Blossoms earlier this year.

“We have been playing Japan pretty much every summer for the past four years,” said Wyles. “You can see that they have been building under Eddie Jones and that they’ve put together a very strong side. I know Steve Borthwick from my days at Saracens when he was captain and obviously I could see then what kind of coach he would be. They are benefitting from his experience as well."

Going into the game 0-3 means there’s more on the line, added prop Titi Lamositele.

“It definitely makes this game more important,” he said. “We want to come away with a win in the World Cup, especially against Japan. They are really good team. They have been building up to this World Cup and seem to have peaked for the tournament.”

Wyles added that seeing Japan beat South Africa was inspiring, and he was impressed with the Blossoms’ performance. But the Eagles have to put that aside and just play the game.

“I am not hugely surprised by Japan during this tournament but, at the same time, they are just another side in front of us on Sunday.”