A fourth win from four matches for England at this World Cup but this was a significant step backwards for Steve Borthwick’s side who needed Danny Care to produce a late sniping try and a last-ditch tackle to see off an inspired Samoa. The Pacific Islanders’ head coach, Seilala Mapusua, had promised an “unapologetic Samoan” performance and that is precisely what his team produced. For England, this was largely a sorry showing.
Samoa are ranked 14th in the world, they knew they could not qualify for the knockout stage and they have resources that pale in comparison to that of England. With the veteran winger Nigel Ah Wong scoring two excellent tries, however, the back-row trio of Steven Luatua, Theo McFarland and Fritz Lee in stunning form and Lima Sopoaga providing direction from fly-half they outclassed England for large spells.
