Rugby: Samoa revel in role of being giant killers

Kahn Fotuali'i, rated by some judges the best halfback in New Zealand this year. Could be the spark to ignite Samoa's hopes. Photo / Getty Images

Samoa have long punched above their weight on the world stage. A controversial omission from the first World Cup in 1987, the Samoans have subsequently proven to be worthy competitors, making a huge impact on the tournament over the years.

They are not threatened by the powerhouses of world rugby and seem to relish the challenge - very often playing the role of the giant killers of the tournament. Their shock 32-23 win over Australia to open the international season has provided a timely reminder of the menace.

1991: Western Samoa beat Wales, 16-13

Wales' defeat at Cardiff Arms Park marked the first time a leading rugby nation was beaten at the RWC by a team considered to be a rank outsider.

Included in the Samoan line-up that beat Wales 16-13 were Stephen Bachop, To'o Vaega, Junior Paramore, Pat Lam, Frank Bunce, Peter Fatialofa and Apollo Perelini. They then went on to push eventual winners Australia 9-3 in pool play.

1995: Western Samoa beat Argentina, 32-26 to make the quarterfinals

Samoa underlined their status as a threat in world rugby with another fairytale run to the quarterfinals. Samoa finished second in their pool after toppling Italy and Argentina to book a quarterfinal showdown against hosts South Africa.

Their glorious achievement was immortalised in about 40 seconds of film, featuring in Clint Eastwood's movie Invictus.

1999: Samoa beat Wales, 38-31

Led by Blues coach Pat Lam, Samoa repeated their 1991 glory with a 38-31 victory over Wales in Cardiff, becoming the first team to topple the home side at Millennium Stadium.

2003: Brian Lima becomes "the chiropractor"

While Samoa haven't featured in the play-offs since 1995, they have still made an impact on the sport's biggest stage - one man more so than most.

In 2003 Samoa continued their proud RWC heritage, giving world champions England an early scare 35-22 in Melbourne.

But Samoa's enduring legacy from that tournament is Brian Lima's bone-crunching tackle on South Africa's Derick Hougaard, which remains the most memorable hits in RWC history.

Hougaard was on the receiving end of a hospital pass from Joost van der Westhuizen, as he stretched to collect the pass, Lima pounced on his prey like a wild animal, collecting Hougaard under the rib cage and driving him to the ground. The impact was felt right around the stadium, with the crowd releasing a collective groan.

Lima holds a special place in Rugby World Cup history, in 2007 he competed in a record fifth tournament - a feat unlikely to ever be surpassed.