Samoa's proud record in peril

By CHRIS RATTUE

Samoa's proud World Cup history goes on the line in Australia as the professional game begins to bite at their chances.

Since a fantastic World Cup introduction in 1991 when they were the tournament darlings, Samoa have recorded six victories in making the past three quarter-finals.

But they will not be favoured to do so again. The adage about the rich getting rich and the poor poorer is apt in world rugby, and Samoa's pool has a distinct class difference.

England, certainly, and South Africa, despite all their problems, should shut the Samoans out, although the final round clash against the Springboks in Brisbane could be a tournament highlight.

Coach John Boe and assistant Michael Jones have taken the Samoans on an extensive pre-World Cup tour including games in South Africa and Australia.

It included a 40-14 loss to Ireland in Apia and a narrow defeat against a below-strength Auckland, results that indicate where Samoa stand in world rugby these days.

Presuming they see off Uruguay and Georgia, Samoa will rely heavily on their physical approach and love of the one-off challenge to grab a quarter-final place by overturning South Africa.

At the moment, Samoa are clinging to the world rugby stage rather than building on their World Cup heritage, and Boe claims financial problems mean they might quit the test scene.

Even after announcing their squad, they lost hard-charging hooker Trevor Leota to the demands and money of his Wasps club.

It is a familiar story, and Samoa are also hampered by the IRB regulations and the Super 12 system which ties potential players to New Zealand.

Samoa, who are led by former Hurricanes loose forward Semo Sititi, who plays for Scottish Borders, will rely on lanky former Blues forward Leo Lafaiali'i in the lineout.

It is at the all important breakdown area and in creating defensive systems where precise technique is needed that Samoa may struggle to cause the upset they need to progress further.

The Samoan backs, if given a chance, can trouble any opponent. Brian Lima will be among a handful of players, including Canadian captain Al Charron and England prop Jason Leonard, appearing in their fourth World Cup.

Lima already has a store of fantastic memories, although Samoa might have hoped for at least one quarter-final win from their two encounters against Scotland. Sadly for Samoa, the indicators suggest they will not get that far this time.

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