In a hard-fought contest, a sluggish England managed to secure their place in the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals with a perfect record in Pool D.
The turning point in their 18-17 victory came in the 73rd minute when Danny Care made a crucial dart from the scrum’s base to score.
Despite this win, England’s prospects as potential title contenders appear to have been significantly shaken, as they were pushed to the limit by a team with a limited tournament history, their lone previous win being against Chile.
The underdog Samoa led 17-8 at halftime and could have extended their lead further, with a third try being disallowed due to the faintest of knock-ons.
Samoa even had a chance to snatch an unexpected victory as they advanced upfield, only to lose possession just five meters short in the penultimate play of the game.
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#1. Jonny May
Telegraph 4/10: “May brought energy as ever but there was also the customary chaos. Out of position for Samoa’s second try, leaving Steward to scramble in vain.”
Rugby Pass 4/10: “It was his break that scattered the Samoan defence on 18 minutes in the lead-up to the infringement that gave Farrell his points record, but that was about it for him on the ball and he will instead be remembered for ineffectively clinging onto a leg of the tr-scoring Ah-Wong minutes later. England need a hurry up in this position, with May not looking the part.”
RUCK 4/10: “We’re uncertain why he continues to be selected over the lightning-fast Henry Arundell, Seemed to spend the whole afternoon running sideways”
Replacement: Henry Arundell