Samoa begin Rugby World Cup with 43-10 bonus-point win over Chile

Samoa begin Rugby World Cup with 43-10 bonus-point win over Chile

By Alipate Narawa
17/09/2023
[Image: Stuff.co.nz]

Samoa began their Rugby World Cup campaign with a 43-10 bonus-point win over Chile in Bordeaux.

Chile took an early lead through a try from Matias Dittus, but Samoa regained control at the end of the half.

Former Australia fly-half Christian Leali'ifano kicked 14 first-half points and Duncan Paia'aua scored a late try.

Samoa put in a dominant second-half performance, scoring four tries through Jonathan Taumateine, Fritz Lee and two from Sama Malolo.

The Pacific island nation, who had an initial rest week, are seeking their first quarter-final since 1995, with what is one of their strongest squads assembled, proven by a narrow final 17-13 warm-up defeat by world number one side Ireland in August.

Samoa recruited former All Blacks Lima Sopoaga, Steven Luatua and Charlie Faumuina before the World Cup due to a change in World Rugby eligibility rules, but it was the boot of Christian Leali'ifano that was instrumental in keeping the scoreboard ticking over.

The 35-year-old, who started for Australia in their quarter-final loss to England four years ago, pulled the strings in Samoa's attack, with the pick of tries coming from Paia'aua, after a well-measured grubber kick in the midfield.

Fly-half Rodrigo Fernandez was at the heart of this and set up the opening score of the afternoon with a break, but struggled to have as much impact in the second period.

Sterner tests lie ahead for Samoa, who will be quietly growing in confidence but will likely need to beat two of Argentina, Japan or England for a realistic chance of a knockout return.

Samoa play the Pumas at 3.45am next Saturday, while Chile face England at 3.45am next Sunday.

You can check out all the Rugby World Cup stories, interviews, photos, videos and schedules on our website, fijivillage.

Source: BBC

FNRL
FEATURE NEWS
Rabitu breaks Reds hearts with last minute try to give Drua 36-33 win in Suva
Replacement centre Isikeli Rabitu broke the hearts of the Reds side as he scored a converted try at the stroke of full time to give the Swire Shipping...
12 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
Rabuka reaffirms commitment to press freedom on World Media Freedom day
Around the world, journalists face threats and censorship in their pursuit of illuminating issues that matter and giving voice to the voiceless, ...
10 hours ago

We have sufficient supply of saline solution to last for the next 5 to 6 months – Dr Lalabalavu
Minister for Health Dr Atonio Lalabalavu has stated that they have sufficient supply of saline solution bottles to last Fiji for the next 5 to 6 ...
10 hours ago

Questions raised by concerned Savusavu residents after 86 yr old home invasion victim passes away
The two men earlier charged and produced in court for an alleged aggravated robbery case in Savusavu last month, are now being investigated for ...
10 hours ago

Prince Harry says father, King Charles, no longer speaks to him but hopes to reconcile
Prince Harry has revealed that his father, King Charles III, no longer speaks to him and that he cannot imagine bringing his family back to the UK ...
14 hours ago

Suva Taxi Association welcomes revert from open taxi rank to base system
The Suva Taxi Association has welcomed the revert of operation system from open taxi rank system to municipal stand and base system. Suva Taxi ...
14 hours ago



fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Latest Videos

Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Tevita Ikanivere on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
The show focuses on Ikanivere’s journey, his family, career and how far the Drua has ...
12 days ago

Daniel Fatiaki and Professor Narsey on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
Chair of the Electoral Reform Commission and former Chief Justice, Daniel Fatiaki and Electoral Reform Commissioner and economist, Professor Wadan ...
12 days ago

Top Interventional Cardiologist Dr Kapadia on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
The show will focus on health services in the country. The former Marist Brothers Primary and High School student who has been practising medicine ...
27 days ago

TOP