New Zealand’s World Cup campaign is off to the perfect start as they thrash Samoa 38-8 at Mt Smart Stadium.
In a tight first half, Samoa held their own in defence despite trailing 10-nil early. A late try to Maumalo kept Samoa in the contest at the break and the upset was on the cards.
The Kiwis though turned on the style in the second half and powered their way to victory off the back of a great performance from their forward pack, particularly from young forwards Joseph Tapine and Asofa-Solomona.
Samoa tried hard but a high error count, coupled with poor kicking, led to their demise. The Kiwis simply made the most of the possession they were given in good field position and never looked back when they scored first in the second half.
Overall, a tough but comfortable win for a New Zealand side with high hopes of lifting another World Cup a few weeks for now.
Joe
Roar Rookie
Very frustrating watching Samoa last night. Got some very talented players in the side but they just have no idea how to play a disciplined game. Can't really blame the halves when other players are taking dumb options on the 4th tackle or 5th tackle the ball gets passed to other players. Wasn't surprised with how the Kiwis played. They always play better when they're under pressure and everyone is writing them off as is happening in this world cup. I think they have a lot of improvement left in them as they usually start tournaments slow. Their ball retention and error rate was pretty bad so they'll need to work on that for sure before they get to the sharp end of the tournament. I thought their debutantes did well too standouts being Levi and Nelson.
Andrew
Guest
Samoa have some great names in that side which make you think they will be competitive, but at the end of the day, Ben Roberts is the number 7 so they have no direction and the backline get no quality ball.....
Pickett
Guest
Levi made the difference in the second half. Reminds me of a young Cam Smith.
Johnno
Guest
Samoa need halves
Kavvy
Guest
I was pumped for Tonga v Samoa next weekend as one of the games (if not "THE") of the pool round, but you'd have to think Tonga might win reasonably comfortable after tonight's game. Hope I'm wrong and it's a free flowing/hard hitting nail biter
Zozza
Guest
Samoa was disappointing to say the least.