Come On Samoa, Let's Have One Big Upset!
The Rugby Paper|September 22, 2019
Brendan Gallagher recalls the glory of Samoa and asks when will it return at the World Cup?
Come On Samoa, Let's Have One Big Upset!

When, if ever, can we expect another mighty upset World Cup victory from Samoa? And if not a shock win when, if ever, will we see the Samoans rip into the big boys and produce the kind of all-action performances that used to thrill the crowds and make Samoa everybody’s second favourite team.

On Tuesday at the Kumagaya ground in Saitama, Samoa begin their World Cup campaign with what should be a straightforward opener against Russia while they then enjoy a decent break before tackling Scotland who – win lose or draw will have found their opener against Ireland today emotionally draining.

There is just a sniff there for the Samoans if they are in the mood – but when was the last time we saw a Manu Samoa side in the mood?

Their decline from perennial banana skins to doormats has been depressing and a tad mystifying because even when they have struggled at the Rugby World Cup on paper they have possessed a more than decent line-up. But that dynamite and warrior spirit has been missing for a while and we wait anxiously for signs of its return

Objectively one of the troubles with Samoa is that they set the bar too high back in 1991 when, as Western Samoa, they made their World Cup debut. They were off the scale

And I’m not just talking about that historic win over Wales in Cardiff but their incredibly resourceful performance against eventual champions Australia in the mud of Pontypool Park scarcely 72 hours later when the same side went down to a narrow 9-3 defeat. That in its own way was equally as impressive. Nor should we forget their 35-12 trouncing of a decent Pumas side at Sardis Road.

So good was that ‘91 team that it came as a surprise that they lost their quarter-final to Scotland relatively tamely 28-6, albeit that was an exceptional Scotland team.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der September 22, 2019-Ausgabe von The Rugby Paper.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der September 22, 2019-Ausgabe von The Rugby Paper.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

WEITERE ARTIKEL AUS THE RUGBY PAPERAlle anzeigen
Leaking 42 points at home is 'unforgivable'
The Rugby Paper

Leaking 42 points at home is 'unforgivable'

DEFLATED Jamie George declared his side were not up to scratch after they slumped to another dismal defeat at England headquarters.

time-read
3 Minuten  |
November 10, 2024
Ten-try Chiefs show Pirates no mercy
The Rugby Paper

Ten-try Chiefs show Pirates no mercy

TEN-TRY Exeter inflicted the backlash from six successive defeats in their worst ever start to a Premiership season on a young Pirates side suffering their own problems in the Championship.

time-read
2 Minuten  |
November 03, 2024
South America look to keep on building
The Rugby Paper

South America look to keep on building

AS Sebastián Piñeyrúa's historic six-year term as President of Rugby Sudamérica comes to an end, his replacement shows no signs of slowing down.

time-read
3 Minuten  |
November 03, 2024
Scarratt excited by new pathway
The Rugby Paper

Scarratt excited by new pathway

ENGLAND centurion Emily Scarratt is delighted with the new women's BUCS programme which aims to provide a smoother pathway for young aspiring female players.

time-read
3 Minuten  |
November 03, 2024
Baxter: I want to make things better
The Rugby Paper

Baxter: I want to make things better

ROB Baxter will not be walking away from Exeter, the only club still looking for a Premiership victory this season, believing he can get the Chiefs back on track and he cannot bear the thought of anyone else doing the job.

time-read
3 Minuten  |
November 03, 2024
Pearce walks in his father's footsteps
The Rugby Paper

Pearce walks in his father's footsteps

PADDY Pearce is living a dream after emulating his father and great-uncle by playing for the club he supported as a boy, Bristol.

time-read
2 Minuten  |
November 03, 2024
New England group will cause uncertainty
The Rugby Paper

New England group will cause uncertainty

SO JUST when we thought that everything was getting sorted between the RFU, the clubs and players, a number of new agreements and a new group raises its head.

time-read
4 Minuten  |
November 03, 2024
Galthie turns his sights to the future
The Rugby Paper

Galthie turns his sights to the future

FRANCE head coach Fabien Galthie offered the clearest hint yet of Les Bleus' future on Wednesday, when he released 19 players back F to their clubs for the ninth and final Top 14 round before the international break.

time-read
4 Minuten  |
November 03, 2024
Gilmore has tightened up our defence - Anderson
The Rugby Paper

Gilmore has tightened up our defence - Anderson

CAMERON Anderson has hailed the impact made by defence coach Jason Gilmore, below, since he arrived at The Stoop in the summer.

time-read
2 Minuten  |
November 03, 2024
Ampthill given 11-try lesson in class from Bath
The Rugby Paper

Ampthill given 11-try lesson in class from Bath

BATH secured a thumping away success in the opening match of their Premiership Rugby Cup campaign against Ampthill at Dillingham Park.

time-read
2 Minuten  |
November 03, 2024