It’s kicking off in Brighton tonight in more ways than one as the USA meet Samoa in Britain’s beachside party town. Who will win this battle for the hearts of Eastern Samoans? Join The Roar for commentary, live scores and chat from 9:00pm AEST.
The Eagles meet Samoa probably not in the best spirits. They came second last in the Pacific Nations Cup, winning only two out of their four games, all of which were held in North America (ominously for Australia, England and Wales, Fiji won that tournament).
However, on the upside, they managed to better Canada in the fifth-placed playoff, stretching their winning streak against their neighbours to three in a row.
Samoa, on the other hand, should be coming into this game and pool with confidence. South Africa will most likely win the pool but Samoa are the best of the rest (which includes Scotland and Japan).
Samoa’s Pacific Nations Cup reads two victories, including a 30-all draw with and, in the championship match, a 10-point loss to Fiji.
Pool A is rightly looking as the toughest group of all, but after South Africa Pool B is looking to be a fierce contest.
Every game between the relative minnows will be full-blooded, and despite the rather mountainous odds facing the Americans, expect them to make a George Foreman fist of it.
It’s both nations’ first game of the World Cup, so both teams should be fresh as daisies and ready to put out their strongest side.
The only consideration to make is the teams’ respective fixtures. After this game, Samoa will be playing South Africa on the 26th, while the US will play Scotland a day after that.
Also, if you’re expecting Todd Clever to be playing, he didn’t make the cut.
Prediction: Samoa by 10
Join The Roar for commentary, live scores and chat from 9:00pm AEST.
Tigranes
Guest
Most of those Samoans developed their rugby in New Zealand...there gonna be some big games between Samoa, Scotland and Japan A few of the Samoans looked a bit unfit today...that could haunt them later on.
Daveski
Guest
Bonus points could be crucial in this group. USA were always just holding on in defence against Tuilagi, Nanai Williams etc yet for a lot of the match they played the more rugby and a better balanced game. Got caned 14-7 in the penalties and some shocker calls amongst that, though Samoa were stiffed on a forward pass that wasn't. Clancy dissapointing management of this game. Total rule pedant. USA probably ruing a missed opportunity. Though Samoa will know they can play a lot better. Their inside bscks very poor today.
In brief
Guest
That's because all their players are based in France home of the stodgiest competition in the world, Top 14.
In brief
Guest
I cannot believe George Clancy is refereeing a rugby world cup game. The man is an absolute disgrace. That was probably the most frustrating refereeing performance I have seen for many years. No feel for the game at all. What a complete waste of space.
RobC
Roar Guru
Thanks Nicholas. Well done Samoa!
Lostintokyo
Guest
Samoa, population 200,000 ! Amazing sports nation.
Sailosi
Guest
We'll top the group, no doubt. Just have to switch on more. -- Comment from The Roar's iPhone app.
Lostintokyo
Guest
Sailosi. Assuming the Boks regroup and go through, big assumption maybe but, it will be between Scotland , Samoa and Japan for the quarters. Hard to call, tough group. Look forward to those games. Samoa v 350 mill population taken care of, SA 50 mill, Japan 126 mill and Scotland??? 4mill. Samoa punch well above their weight. Good luck.
Nicholas Hartman
Roar Guru
No wucks RT, thanks for joining
Nicholas Hartman
Roar Guru
FULLTIME Gallant effort from the Americans at the end there. What should have been a good contest was ruined by sloppiness and judicial piety. The 9 point gap means the US miss out on a losing bonus point. Wales v Uruguay is next, I'm unsure if anyone's covering that. Otherwise, the Singapore GP is on here http://www.theroar.com.au/2015/09/20/singapore-grand-prix-f1-live-blog-updates/ and Spurs v Crystal Palace is over here http://www.theroar.com.au/2015/09/20/tottenham-vs-crystal-palace-epl-live-scores-blog/ Cheers for joining me everyone, enjoy the rest of your Sunday night! Samoa 25 USA 16
Rugby Tragic
Guest
Thanks for the blog Nicko ... very average game... so many errors and quite pedantic stop starts ..
Sailosi
Guest
Well done boys. Don't be that bad again please. -- Comment from The Roar's iPhone app.
BluesMan
Guest
Good Samoa Congratulations
Nicholas Hartman
Roar Guru
79' This seems to be it. The Samoans have a penalty for hands in the ruck. They'll take their time and kick it out when they can. Samoa 25 USA 16
Nicholas Hartman
Roar Guru
77' The Americans pass it to Ngwenya!! But the Samoan defence anticipate it and easily roll him out of play. The Samoans win the lineout, and just hold onto the ball The US commit a penalty for offside, so now the Samoans kick for touch and will have a lineout Samoa 25 USA 16
Lostintokyo
Guest
George.
Nicholas Hartman
Roar Guru
76' Man, I can't wait until Australia play. Anyway, USA now have a lineout on halfway Samoa 25 USA 16
Hello
Roar Rookie
That is what I like to see from the tmo
Nicholas Hartman
Roar Guru
73' TRY!!! USA (Baumann) Baumann, reserve hooker and sawmill operator, gets the try. This game's on now! We had a rough patch between 50' and 70' but this game's been good. I love the rugby world cup. The conversion is missed, shading the upright Samoa 25 USA 16
Nicholas Hartman
Roar Guru
73' TRY? USA So the Americans have a lineout 5m, have a bit of maul, and after a series of pick and goes they think they've got the ball over Samoa 25 USA 11