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USA vs SAM
Pacific Nations Cup
Hanazono Rugby Stadium, Osaka
USA
vs
Samoa
13
FT
18
Action
Lineups
All
Facts Only
All
Full-Time: 13 - 18
The decisive moment came in the 78th minute when Melani Nanai finished off a sweeping move in the left corner to put Samoa ahead. Nanai's try proved to be the game-winner, as USA couldn't muster a response in the final moments. Despite their gritty defensive effort and flashes of brilliance from players like Carty and Fricker, USA fell just short, with Samoa securing the win in a thrilling and physically intense contest. For now, that is all we have time for in this one. Thanks for tuning into Tribe.
Samoa looked to have taken control in the 56th minute when Tuna Tuitama crossed the line, but the try was disallowed due to a knock-on by Sama Malolo in the build-up. With the scoreline remaining tight, Iona had a golden opportunity to put Samoa ahead in the 70th minute with a long-range penalty, but his attempt sailed wide left. The game looked destined for a draw, but Samoa kept pushing, determined to find a breakthrough.
The second half kicked off with a bang, as Iakopo Petelo-Mapu powered over for Samoa in the 42nd minute, shrugging off three defenders to score and give Samoa their first lead of the match. The USA responded with another Carty penalty in the 53rd minute, levelling the score as the contest turned into a real arm-wrestle. Jonah Mau'u made a noticeable impact off the bench for Samoa, with several powerful carries, but the teams continued to trade blows without either gaining a decisive advantage.
Samoa come from behind to claim a hard-fought five-point victory over USA in Osaka after trailing by four points at half time. The first half saw the USA take an early lead through a Luke Carty penalty in the 5th minute, followed by a brilliant solo try from Toby Fricker, who latched onto a high kick from Rodney Iona and sprinted 50 metres to score. Iona kept Samoa in touch with two penalty goals, leaving the USA ahead by four points at the break in what was an entertaining and evenly-matched first half.
80+1'
USA sling it from side to side on halfway, but Davis spills it forward, and the referee blows his whistle for full time.
80'
The scrum collapses and we will pack it down once again. The second scrum attempt sees Smith feed and fire the ball left, putting Fricker into space over halfway...
79'
Carty sends the restart high, where Nee-Nee takes a magnificent catch on his 10m line. Carrying one off the ruck are the forwards now as Samoa look to wind the clock down. Tusitala then kicks high, where McFarland knocks on in the contest for the ball and USA get the scrum feed 6m inside their half and 7m in from the right sideline.
79'
Iona is rushed into kicking, taking a drop goal that sprays away to the right from the left sideline.
79'
R. Iona
Missed Conversion