Samoa inflicts Wales' fifth straight defeat

Updated November 17, 2012 09:21:13

Six Nations grand slam champions Wales suffered a fifth straight loss when it was humbled 26-19 at home by Samoa on Saturday morning (AEDT), causing consternation in a proud rugby country with world champions New Zealand up next.

The Pacific islanders were bright from the off in the November international and Fa'atoina Autagavaia scored a try after just over a minute following a flowing drive marked by missed Wales tackles.

The hosts went in 13-10 ahead at the break, albeit against the run of play thanks to Ashley Beck's breakaway try after an interception well inside his own half.

Wales started with usual captain Sam Warburton on the bench and with Mike Phillips recalled as scrum-half but eight changes from the defeat by Argentina last weekend failed to spark the home side under interim coach Rob Howley.

The Welsh, who host the All Blacks next Saturday when coach Warren Gatland returns from British and Irish Lions' duties, clung on after the break thanks to the boot of Leigh Halfpenny.

However, an early second-half try from George Pisi and Johnny Leota's late touchdown sealed a deserved victory for the Samoans.

Wales, on a high after March's grand slam triumph, lost all three tests in Australia in June before going down to Argentina and Samoa in a stark reminder to the Six Nations sides of how far behind the southern hemisphere they have fallen.

In Warburton's absence, former skipper Ryan Jones took over the armband for a record 29th time but was far from happy.

"What could have been the greatest day of my career has turned into one of the worst," he said.

"We came second best in quite a few facets of that game. It was a game that slowly slipped away from us and we didn't have enough in the end.

"But that's not taking anything away from Samoa, who turned up with a physical edge and a gameplan that stopped us playing again."

Samoa, who also beat Wales in the 1999 World Cup when their more celebrated opponents were hosts, travels to France next Saturday seeking another scalp.

Wales fly half Rhys Priestland was also dropped to the bench but was called into action amid a raft of Wales injuries during the game, which did not help the hosts' cause.

"They got some big boys, physical boys," Priestland said when asked about Samoa.

"It's going to be tough (against New Zealand). It's the toughest match in world rugby. We've got some injuries. We've got to look in the mirror."

Reuters

Tags: rugby-union, sport, wales, samoa

First posted November 17, 2012 08:51:14

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Samoa takes Pacific rugby cup

Updated June 18, 2012 18:38:58

Samoa stormed back from 16-0 down and survived a late onslaught to beat Pacific Nations Cup defending champions Japan 27-26 on Sunday and clinch the title.

Samoa finished the four-team competition with three straight wins, but it was a disastrous tournament for the reigning champion Japanese, who lost all three of their games.

Full-back Ayumu Goromaru gave Japan a 6-0 lead, scoring two penalties shortly after kick-off, in a taste of things to come in Tokyo.

Right prop Logovii Mulipola's shoulder charge on stand-off Harumichi Tatekawa in the 18th minute handed Japan a one-man advantage, with number eight Hendrik Tui immediately making the Samoans pay.

Tui was on hand following a good run by left winger Hirotoki Onozawa to go over for the first try of the game, giving the hosts an 11-0 lead.

Then left flanker Takashi Kikutani added another unconverted try in the 26th minute following a succession of quick rucks to lead 16-0.

But Samoa closed the gap within minutes of Mulipola's return, with scrum half Kahn Fotualii going over between the sticks after Samoa opted to kick for the corner. Stand-off Ki Anufe duly converted it.

Then lock Faatiga Lemalu went over for Samoa's second try with Anufe cashing in on the conversion, giving Japan a 16-14 lead at half time.

A penalty from Anufe in the 43rd minute put the surging Samoans in the lead for the first time at 17-16.

Some more poor Japanese defence allowed Samoa to penetrate deep and Lemalu powered over for his second try of the day, as Japan wilted badly.

Smelling a Samoa victory, right centre Lolo Lui took over the kicking duties for the visitors.

He made no mistake with the conversion as Samoa led 24-16.

Anufe then scored his second penalty to extend the lead to 27-16 in the 65th minute.

The Japanese, needing a try to stay in the game, nearly closed the gap as a good run by right winger Toshiaki Hirose was stopped just short of the line.

Samoa lost its own line-out and Kikutani finished off with a try in the corner in the 68th minute, but it was too far out for Nicholas Ryan to convert.

Nine minutes later, Hirose made no mistake, the captain finishing after a period of sustained pressure to go over in the corner and put one point between the sides. But Ryan's attempted conversion just drifted wide.

Tonga and Fiji are out of contention but will meet next Saturday for their final match.

ABC/AFP

Tags: rugby-union, japan, samoa, tonga, fiji, pacific

First posted June 18, 2012 13:33:22

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Waratahs embarrass Samoa A

Updated February 10, 2012 22:48:36

South African recruit Sarel Pretorius made a strong debut for New South Wales in a convincing 83-5 Super Rugby trial victory over Samoa A in Tamworth.

The half-back did not figure on the scoreboard but looked very sharp in a match used as an experiment by new Waratahs coach Michael Foley.

Pretorius was well-supported by Berrick Barnes, as the Waratahs opened up a 38-5 lead by half-time when both teams made wholesale changes at Scully Park.

Tom Carter crossed twice on the back of strong drives, while Damien Fitzpatrick posted a second-half hat-trick.

All up the Waratahs scored 13 tries but will be concerned by a hamstring injury to winger Lachie Turner, which will be assessed back in Sydney on Sunday.

AAP

Tags: rugby-union, super-14, sport, tamworth-2340

First posted February 10, 2012 22:48:36

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Boks edge Samoa to reach quarters

Updated September 30, 2011 21:17:37

South Africa demonstrated the defensive skills that made it world champions as it held off a spirited Samoa 13-5 in a bruising and entertaining clash to reach the World Cup quarter-finals.

Samoa enjoyed the majority of possession in front of a capacity crowd at North Harbour Stadium but the Springboks were physical in the tackle and clinical in attack to end the Pacific Islanders hopes of reaching the last eight.

Winger Bryan Habana scored an early try and Frans and Morne Steyn kicked eight points between them as the Springboks made it four wins from four to win Pool D and set up a probable quarter-final against Australia.

Both sides finished with 14 men after Samoan full-back Paul Williams was shown a red card in the 69th minute for striking flanker Heinrich Brussow, while Springboks replacement John Smit was given a yellow card for a deliberate knock on shortly after.

"It was really tough," Springboks captain Victor Matfield said.

The match had been expected to be full of hard hits and physical play and neither side disappointed with some huge collisions in the opening stages.

South Africa started strongly and instigated a number of mauls early to suck in Samoan defenders and the tactic resulted in the opening try.

After a Springboks maul had marched deep into Samoan territory, the South Africans sprayed the ball right and then left with winger Habana squeezing in the corner for the try.

Morne Steyn converted from the touchline but it was Frans Steyn's prowess with the boot that was earning bigger praise, the inside centre landing a 55-metre penalty in the 25th minute to stretch the lead to 10-0.

Samoa was growing frustrated as it struggled in the set piece with its line-out faltering, the scrum under pressure and unable to stop the Springboks pilfering ball at the breakdown.

Ill discipline from Samoan lock Kane Thompson brought a penalty 10-metres closer to his posts and Morne Steyn stroked over another kick to stretch the lead to 13-0 at half-time.

Habana then limped off early in the second half for the Springboks, as Samoa began to find its attacking groove and pressed for a try to get it back in to the match.

The Springboks' resistance finally caved in the 51st minute when Samoan number eight George Stowers crashed over for a try after picking up a loose ball following another crash-bang, attacking move.

The try spurred the Samoans on as they improved in the set piece and, roared on by a passionate crowd, they slowly made more and more holes in the Springboks defence.

Inside centre Eliota Fuimaono Sapolu and winger David Lemi both threatened to score tries as Samoa threatened an unlikely comeback before Williams was sent off in the 69th minute.

Springboks flanker Brussow repeatedly struck Williams on the arm as the full-back, lying on the ground, hung on to his shirt and prevented him from leaving a ruck. The Samoan then got to his feet and slapped the South African who fell to the ground with referee Nigel Owens showing a red card after consultation with his assistant.

It was soon 14 aside, with Smit shown a yellow card which ended his match after palming for an intercept pass he was never going to reach before kicking the ball downfield.

Samoa continued to press but the Springboks held firm to deny their opponents the point they needed to maintain their hopes of finishing runners-up in Pool D.

Wales need just a point from its match with Fiji on Sunday to join South Africa in advancing from Pool D.

South Africa: 13 (B Habana try; M Steyn con; M Steyn pen, F Steyn pen)

Samoa: 5 (G Stowers try)

Reuters

Tags: rugby-union-world-cup, rugby-union, sport, new-zealand

First posted September 30, 2011 19:43:48

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Wallabies players rested for game against Samoa

Last Updated: Thu, 14 Jul 2011 08:55:00 +1000

Several high-profile Australian rugby players will be rested for this weekend's Test against Samoa but captain Rocky Elsom will make his long-awaited return from injury for the season-opener.

ACT Brumbies flanker Elsom will lead the Wallabies out in Sydney for what will be just his second appearance since Australia's tour finale against France last November, after he suffered hamstring and ankle injuries.

Four uncapped players have been named in the team, which sees Queensland Reds stars including James Horwill and Quade Cooper rested ahead of the Tri-Nations opener against South Africa later this month.

The Reds stormed to victory against the Canterbury Crusaders 18-15 in the Super 15 finals last weekend.

Winger Digby Ioane was the only Red named in Sunday's starting XV - his first appearance for the national squad since a season-ending shoulder injury against England last June. Four Queenslanders will open on the bench.

Wallabies coach Robbie Deans said the squad had a hectic lead-up to October's Rugby World Cup in New Zealand and now was the last real chance to rest players.

"We assessed all of the Queensland guys when they joined us on Monday night and decided this was the best course for us," said Deans.

"They've had a big workload already this year. Given that our schedule is so congested, with five Test matches in seven weeks, we felt that now was realistically the only opportunity we had to give them a break.

"They'll get their opportunity, they're excited, and I know they will all contribute when we call on them."

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Elsom named to face Samoa

Updated July 13, 2011 12:43:45

Wallabies captain Rocky Elsom has been named to make his return to rugby alongside four newcomers in Australia's team to face Samoa in their season-opening Test in Sydney on Sunday.

Elsom has played just one match since the Wallabies' 2010 spring tour finale against France last November due to hamstring and ankle injuries.

But the blindside flanker will lead the Wallabies into battle at the Olympic stadium after coach Robbie Deans on Wednesday announced his first Test line-up of 2011.

Melbourne Rebels half-back Nick Phipps and New South Wales lock Sitaleki Timani have both won selection in the starting XV, while the Queensland Reds pair of hooker James Hanson and flanker Beau Robinson were picked on the bench.

One front row position on the bench is still to be named after prop Benn Robinson injured his knee at training on Tuesday.

Western Force prop Pek Cowan and Waratahs prop Al Baxter were set to join the team at training on Wednesday afternoon.

Other features of the playing roster include a first Test start for Pat McCabe, who has been named at inside centre after finishing the Super Rugby season strongly in that position for the Brumbies.

McCabe has long been viewed as a midfield option by coach Deans and has been given his chance to work in tandem with fellow Brumbies Matt Giteau and Adam Ashley-Cooper on either side of him.

Giteau has been given first shot at securing the five-eighth jersey while Ashley-Cooper returns to outside centre for the first time this year, having been largely employed on the wing at his Super Rugby franchise.

At half-back, Phipps has been handed his maiden Test start after first wearing the Wallabies jersey during the spring tour match against Irish province Munster.

He and returning full-back Mark Gerrard will become the first two players to represent the Rebels in the Australian Test side, with Gerrard to feature in his 24th Test but his first since the Wallabies' win over Japan at the 2007 Rugby World Cup.

Dan Vickerman is also back.

The Waratahs second rower, who has 55 Test caps to his name, has been named on the bench and will complete a remarkable comeback to international rugby after having taken three years out to finish his studies in England.

While several stars are being rested, including Reds captain James Horwill and fly half Quade Cooper, Deans says the decision is in no way disrespectful to Samoa, with a strong line-up being fielded.

"Given the high most of those blokes had last weekend, it's my experience that it does take a little while to come down from that," he said in a statement.

"They've refocused quickly on the task at hand representing their country, which is why we've included a good group of those players in the matchday 22.

"They'll get their opportunity."

Wallabies: Mark Gerrard, James O'Connor, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Pat McCabe, Digby Ioane, Matt Giteau, Nick Phipps, Ben McCalman, Matt Hodgson, Rocky Elsom (c), Nathan Sharpe, Sitaleki Timani, Ben Alexander, Stephen Moore, Sekope Kepu

Reserves: James Hanson, Dan Vickerman, Scott Higginbotham, Beau Robinson, Will Genia, Kurtley Beale (one to be added)

- AAP

Tags: rugby-union-world-cup, rugby-union, sport, australia

First posted July 13, 2011 12:13:57

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