Rugby: Samoa hold off USA comeback

Alesana Tuilagi crossed for Samoa in their clash with the USA today. Photo / Getty

Samoa have held off a valiant comeback by the USA to take a 21-16 win in their Pacific Nations Cup clash today.

In front of over 10,000 fans in San Jose, Samoa put on a first-half clinic, crossing twice in remarkable fashion to post a comprehensive 21-3 half-time advantage.

Counties Manakau fullback Ashee Tuala and big-hitting winger Alesana Tuilagi were a duo the United States found hard to stop, with the two well-regarded players combining to score Samoa's only two tries in the encounter.

After the teams slotted early penalties, Tuilagi was the first to cross after Tuala brilliantly returned an aimless clearing kick, stepping and juking past several players before offloading from the ground to Tuilagi who stormed under the posts to give Samoa an 11-3 advantage.

Tuilagi then turned provider, showing a side to his game not often seen with a crossfield chip kick finding Tuala who crossed for Samoa's second.

The USA trimmed the deficit after the half with two penalties, but gave Samoa a fright in the dying minutes when reserve prop Titi Lamositele went over after a series of pick-and-go's close to the line.

AJ MacGinty's conversion made it a five point game with five minutes to go, but Samoa held off the late American onslaught to hold on for the victory.

Earlier, Japan beat Canada 20-6 to go top of the tournament ladder.

The Pacific Nations Cup continues until August 3.