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.
この記事は The Rugby Paper の September 22, 2019 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は The Rugby Paper の September 22, 2019 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
England can find a little bit of cheer
SO HERE we are on the final day of England’s autumn international series with all of us hoping and expecting Steve Borthwick’s team to win today after three weeks of bitter disappointment.
Stop messing with Marcus - Campese
DAVID Campese believes England are going backwards under Steve Borthwick, who is ‘messing around’ with talisman Marcus Smith.
Being a Lion was the highlight of my career
I PLAYED 19 games and scored 219 points for the Lions, on the tours to South Africa in 1968 and New Zealand in 1971, but I never played in a Test and that was fair enough.
Cook's crew not fazed as they eye tilt at top half
THERE appear to be few signs of second season syndrome at Westcombe Park as captain Nick Cook reveals the group aren’t even contemplating the threat of relegation and are instead targeting a top-half finish.
Forwards pack a punch for the Reds
OLD Redcliffians produced a proud defensive effort to take a bonus-point win.
Tom 'Ailes' the achievements of inspirational skipper Riley
SEDGLEY Park No. 8 Tom Ailes says his team relish the competitive nature of National One and is confident the Tigers can rectify their rocky start to the season in weeks to come.
Strachan confident Ampthill will be firing again soon
FRASER Strachan is determined to put Ampthill’s leaky defensive showings behind them and gain some much needed confidence in the run up to Christmas.
It's a whole new ball game for Rigg
WILL Rigg’s ambition was to become a professional cricketer but it is the oval ball rather than The Oval that is his driver now.
Scarratt leads the way for Lightning
LOUGHBOROUGH won a wet and windy East Midlands Derby after having the bonus point in the bag by half-time.
Becconsall: We need to release pressure
WILL Becconsall says Exeter are not spooked by the threat of relegation as they look to turn around their Premiership campaign after starting with six straight defeats.