Hello and welcome to
Sports Mole's live text coverage of the
Rugby World Cup meeting between
Samoa and
Scotland at St James' Park.
Scotland's fate is very much in their own hands heading into this final round of Pool B fixtures, knowing that a win today will see them through to the knockout stages. Opponents Samoa are already out, meanwhile, but they will be aiming to secure a third-place finish in order to secure their spot in 2019's tournament.
Before taking a look at this afternoon's match in some more detail, let's check out the confirmed team news from both sides in Newcastle...
TEAM NEWS!
SAMOA XV: Tim Nanai-Williams (Ricoh Black Rams), Paul Perez (Coastal Sharks), George Pisi (Northampton Saints), Rey Lee-Lo (Cardiff Blues), Fa'atoina Autagavaia (Nevers), Tusi Pisi (Suntory Sungoliath), Kahn Fotuali'i (Northampton Saints, captain); Sakaria Taulafo (Stade Francais), Ma'atulimanu Leiataua (Aurillac), Census Johnston (Toulouse), Teofilo Paulo (Benetton Treviso), Kane Thompson (Newcastle Falcons), Maurie Faasavalu (Bath), Jack Lam (Bristol), Alafoti Faosiliva (Bath)
SCOTLAND XV: Stuart Hogg (Glasgow Warriors), Sean Maitland (London Irish), Mark Bennett (Glasgow Warriors), Matt Scott (Edinburgh), Tommy Seymour (Glasgow Warriors), Finn Russell (Glasgow Warriors). Greig Laidlaw (Gloucester, captain); Alasdair Dickinson (Edinburgh), Ross Ford (Edinburgh), WP Nel (Edinburgh), R Gray (Castres), J Gray (Glasgow Warriors), Ryan Wilson (Glasgow Warriors), John Hardie (unattached), David Denton (Edinburgh)
Scotland, who are essentially the hosts this afternoon thanks to their large following, are pretty much at full strength due to the return to full fitness of Finn Russell, Stuart Hogg,
John Hardie, Sean Maitland and Ross Ford. The latter in particular had been a big doubt, but
Vern Cotter was given a big boost in the week prior to announcing his squad.
Sean Lamont is among the back-up options available to Cotter, meanwhile, meaning that he will have to wait to earn his 100th cap. The Glasgow Warriors man is likely to be introduced at some stage today, so he can close to gap on record appearance holder Chris Paterson.
Greig Laidlaw does start, however, and the skipper has contributed 65% of the points in this entire Scotland set-up.
In terms of Samoa, they call upon a new centre and back-row partnerships this afternoon in their final outing of this Rugby World Cup. Ofisa Treviranus is not involved, meaning that Kahn Fotuali'i will take over the role of captain at St James' Park. Elsewhere,
Manu Leiataua will make his competition debut as the Pacific Islanders aim to end their campaign on a high.
DID YOU KNOW? Samoa have won four of of their previous 10 meetings against European sides at the Rugby World Cup. That run includes two remarkable victories over Wales, which goes to show that Scotland may not have this all their own way here today.
If you have been following
Sports Mole's coverage of the Rugby World Cup, you will know by now that we have reporters spread out across the length of Britain to cover all the action up close. Pascal Lemesre is the man tasked with following today's game for us, and he will be providing regular updates throughout.
Speaking of which, let's check in on Pascal for the first time today as he takes his seat in the St James' Park press box:
"Scotland were cruelly knocked out of Euro 2016 qualifying with the last kick of the match on Thursday night, but the rugby players should do better than the footballers today. With key players returning from injury, the Dark Blues are favourites and should make it five out of five against Pacific Island nations at the World Cup. They'll then eagerly watch the Australia-Wales showdown later this afternoon to see who they'll be up against in the last eight. Me thinks they would prefer to face Wales."
As touched upon there, this is where things start to become a little more clearer in terms of the latter - and more exciting - part of this famous tournament. South Africa will go through as group winners, that much we know, but it is now between Scotland and Japan for that coveted second place. They will face one of Wales or Australia, depending on the winner of the game that follows directly after this one, so right now all we can do is speculate on the outcomes.
Scotland are strong favourites to secure second place this afternoon, coming up against a Samoa side boasting just one victory so far in Pool B. That came in their opener against a pointless USA side, while defeats against South Africa and most recently Japan have followed. They can still finish third, though, which will ensure that they qualify directly for the next tournament in four years' time.
While Samoa have struggled to find their best form, Scotland have just about done enough to remain in strong contention. Having lost all five of their Six Nations fixtures earlier this year, as well as two of their four World Cup warm-up games, Cotter has managed to instil some more belief in his players to pick up wins against Japan and USA.
PREVIOUS MEETINGS! These two sides have faced off twice before at the Rugby World Cup, with the Dark Blues coming out on top in both of those previous meetings. In fact, Scotland have won seven out of the nine encounters overall, although the last match ended in defeat as Samoa claimed victory in 2013.
The players are now out onto the field with the anthems imminent, so let's check in on Pascal Lemesre for one last time ahead of kickoff:
"I've seen Scotland twice and Samoa once in person at the tournament and the players I'm most looking forward to seeing this afternoon are the full-backs on both sides. Tim Nanai-Williams and Stuart Hogg have both been on top form in the tournament so far, but who will shine today?"
Some 70,000 Scotland supporters have taken over Newcastle this afternoon, apparently, so the onus is now very much on their players to get the job done. Japan will be confident of claiming five points in tomorrow's final pool-stage fixture, so this is a must-win match for the Dark Blues.
It has already been a special day for some inside a packed St James' Park...
KICKOFF! Samoa get us underway in this must-win clash for the Scots. This is the last time we will see a Pacific Island nation in this year's tournament, so let's see what they have to offer.
A positive start from Samoa, who are looking to run from deep. It was clear to see from the anthems that they are desperate to put in a performance here today, but any momentum is halted by the concession of a penalty.
Let's get some more thoughts from Pascal Lemesre, who is in the North East for us today:
"It was a tremendous rendition of 'Flower of Scotland' and then an electric start to the match as both teams enjoyed promising moments. Hogg's kick, run and then tackle just showcased how much of an exciting talent he is."
PENALTY! SAMOA 3-0 SCOTLAND (TUSI PISI)
Denton dives in off his feet to gift Samoa a penalty, which Pisi capitalises on to edge his side in front. Scotland trailing early on, then, but that is not the first time we've said that during the course of this tournament.
PENALTY! SAMOA 3-3 SCOTLAND (GREIG LAIDLAW)
I was just about to say how assured Samoa have looked in these early stages, winning a couple of turnovers to take control of things, but Census Johnston is penalised at the scrum to gift Laidlaw the chance of levelling up.
CONVERTED TRY! SAMOA 10-3 SCOTLAND (TUSI PISI)
It has taken them three games to warm up, and it appears as though Samoa have now joined the Rugby World Cup party. This has been a fine start to the game for the Pacific Islanders, who now have a try to show for their hard word. After claiming from the restart, Pisi ghosts through before Johnstone in turn offloads it back to his fly-half to touch down.
CONVERTED TRY! SAMOA 10-10 SCOTLAND (TOMMY SEYMOUR)
Absolutely incredible start to this Pool C fixture, which has given us 20 points inside the opening 11 minutes. This really was a gift for the Dark Blues, and Seymour in particular, who benefited from some slack Samoa play. The ball is slung across their own try-line, bouncing over Paul Perez for Seymour to intercept and touch down.
TRY! SAMOA 15-10 SCOTLAND (MANY LEIATAUA)
Scotland's defence has been pulled to pieces in these opening 13 minutes, which is great for the neutral but absolute hell for their supporters. Just when they had pulled level, Samoa gathered from the restart for the third time, earning a penalty and taking it quickly. The ball then worked its way out to Manu Leiataua who touched down for try number three. Pisi misses from the follow up, however, so the gap remains at five points.
I need a breather after this explosive start. Over to Pascal Lemesre inside St James' Park:
"Goodness gracious, does it get any more end-to-end than this? Pisi did so well to touch down in the corner but then Samoa shot themselves in the foot with that risky pass that Seymour pounced on. Scotland have got to sort themselves out from kickoff as Samoa have caused havoc every time. I can't keep up!"
Good going for
Tommy Seymour, who pulled his side level for all of two minutes:
PENALTY! SAMOA 15-13 SCOTLAND (GREIG LAIDLAW)
That gap has been closed a little more as Scotland start to show a little more composure. Samoa are penalised for an offside, which Laidlaw boots home from essentially under the posts.
TRY! SAMOA 20-13 SCOTLAND (REY LEE-LO)
Scotland have yet again crumbled at the back. What is going on?! This time the Dark Blues gathered from the restart, but Samoa soon broke forward and managed to keep hold of the ball. They are dictating play at the moment, and some patience allowed them to work the ball from right to left for Lee-Lo to cross the whitewash right in the corner. The one downside - Pisi misses from the follow-up yet again.
Dickinson has been withdrawn for the Scots to undergo a head injury assessment. Gordon Reid introduced for the time being, as this one continues to keep supporters on the edge of their seats. Scotland need to compose themselves or they face exiting the World Cup this weekend.
PENALTY! SAMOA 20-16 SCOTLAND (GREIG LAIDLAW)
Some more ill-discipline from the Samoans allows Laidlaw to keep his side in it, with play being called back following a Scottish scrum. Laidlaw's accuracy could prove key come full time.
A bit of calm over the past couple of minutes at long last. Samoa are keeping possession well but are unable to add to their three previous tries as Lee-Lo fails to control his gather up.
YELLOW CARD! After a discussion between the officials, Ryan Wilson is shown a yellow to make Scotland's task all the more difficult in the 10 minutes leasing up to half time. Wilson just appeared to stamp on Faasavalu's arm, which left the TMO with little choice.
PENALTY! SAMOA 23-16 SCOTLAND (TUSI PISI)
Play is pulled back following that aforementioned incident, allowing Pisi to slip the ball over from 10 metres out to open up that margin once more. Incidentally, Dickinson is now back on the field.
CONVERTED TRY! SAMOA 23-23 SCOTLAND (JOHN HARDIE)
A very good try from Hardie, who capitalised on a rare bit of Scotland momentum. Superb character shown from the Dark Blues who, despite the man disadvantage, push strong at the maul to bring themselves right back into this one. Laidlaw, as ever, converts to set up a thrilling end to this first half.
TRY DISALLOWED!
Well this is absolutely incredible rugby. All I can say is that I am glad to be watching this as a neutral. Samoa thought they had bagged themselves a bonus-point try in the closing stages of this first half after prop Taualfo crashed over on the far side. The TMO spotted that Laidlaw had been pulled back, though, so we will go back for a penalty.
PENALTY! SAMOA 26-23 SCOTLAND (TUSI PISI)
Just the three points for Samoa, then, as Pisi kicks over from the resulting penalty. They will be disheartened after seeing that try ruled out; Scotland, on the other hand, can use that as a boost in these final few minutes.
That was the 150th successful penalty of this Rugby World Cup, incidentally, and one that will likely give Samoa a half-time lead. Just moments left now, but both sides seem resigned to see this one through to the break.
HALF TIME: SAMOA 26-23 SCOTLAND
Where to even begin analysing that one? The bottom line at half time is that Scotland are on the brink of exiting the competition. Before delving into the action in some detail, why not check out Pascal Lemesre's half-time report which can be found by
clicking here.
Samoa, so underwhelming so far in this year's competition, have well and truly turned on the style. I said shortly after the anthems that they looked up for it, and that has been clear to see over the past 40 minutes. Three times they crossed over in all, while Scotland had two scores in response.
Scotland, who also had a man sent to the sin bin in the opening 40 minutes, trail by just the two points at the interval, though, and you would expect them to step things up now knowing that they need a win here today. Japan will feel confident of claiming a bonus-point win against USA in Gloucester tomorrow night, so this is a straight shootout for second place right now.
More from Pascal Lemesre on the back of a "bonkers" first half to this match:
"I was there for Japan's win against South Africa and I said then that I wouldn't see anything as good this tournament, but that was certainly the most bonkers half of rugby I've seen. Scotland have played much better in the second halves of their matches so far and you'd expect them to be able to outlast Samoa, but they have to sort themselves out defensively. Bring on the second 40!"
MATCH ACTION! Pisi scores the first of five first-half tries at St James' Park, in what has been a thrilling contest to date
© Getty Images
The defending in that first half was comical at times, but us neutrals are loving it. More of the same would be nice over the next 40 minutes, as the team re-emerge down the tunnel. Scotland also desperately need to improve at the restart, having gifted their opponents numerous openings.
RESTART! Right, here we go again. Scotland instantly looking towards power in an attempt to push up the field, but play is halted due to an injury sustained by Faasavalu.
As both teams look to find their groove early in this second half, let's cross back to the North East:
"What a huge half this is for Vern Cotter and his team. Throughout this tournament Scotland have showed real glimpses of quality, but they're far from the complete package. Today it's penalties that have really let them down and already, inside the first minute of the second half, they've conceded their eighth of the match to give up a good position inside the Samoan 22."
The tempo has been set early on by Scotland, who turn down a penalty and kick into touch in an attempt to get the try. The noise levels inside St James' Park have gone up a few notches as a result. The move breaks down, however, and Samoa are able to breath with that three-point advantage still intact.
A strong Samoa counter almost catches Scotland out, but a misplaced pass from Lee-Lo into the hands of Seymour allows Scotland to win back possession. A little wake-up call, that, following what has otherwise been a promising start to the half from the Dark Blues.
Samoa finding a few exit routes at the scrum to stage a quick break, but Hardie gets across to halt the danger. Scotland struggling to regain their momentum now, as we enter the final 30 minutes in Newcastle.
PENALTY! SAMOA 26-26 SCOTLAND (GREIG LAIDLAW)
Faasavalu pushes from the side at the scrum which gives Scotland another tough choice: Go for the sticks or kick into touch? Laidlaw this time decides that getting a few points on the board is the best bet. We are all-square once more.
PENALTY! SAMOA 26-29 SAMOA (GREIG LAIDLAW)
Scotland looking to build an attack that breaks down when the ball goes loose when shipped to the right. Another penalty comes their way, however, which Laidlaw makes no mistake from just outside the 22. The Dark Blues in front for the first time this afternoon.
That successful kick makes Laidlaw the competition's top scorer as we enter the end of the pool phase. Samoa giving away far too many penalties right now - eight since half time - and are struggling to get any sort of grip on things. Tiredness, perhaps?
As mentioned, Samoa are giving away far too many penalties at the moment which is never a good thing when the opposition side boasts someone as calm as Laidlaw. The Scotland skipper is unable to find the sticks from halfway on this occasion, though, so we remain at 29-26.
MATCH ACTION! Tommy Seymour celebrates with his teammates after scoring the first of Scotland's two tries. They currently lead Samoa for the first time today.
© Getty Images
Pisi does well to kick to touch on the right as the Pacific Islanders look to wrestle back control after making a triple change. Discipline is still badly costing them, however, with yet another penalty being given away to allow Scotland to relieve some pressure.
The tempo has understandably dropped in this second half, but we are still in for an entertaining conclusion. Pascal Lemesre is among the 52,000 spectators inside St James' Park:
"Into the final quarter of the game we go then and still just three points separate the two teams. Scotland have been much better in the second half, but you can sense nervousness beginning to creep into supporters heads. They need to pull away to avoid a nail-biting finish."
Gray and Scott are able to carry the ball, but with 15 minutes remaining we are no closer to seeing what is likely to be a decisive sixth try of the afternoon. Few more changes currently taking place, with the injured Ross Ford among those making way.
Less action over these past 27 minutes or so, but with the finishing line so close for Scotland the nervousness has crept in. Maitland looked to resolve that by bursting through, only to be taken down with the Samoa 22 in reach. It is now the Pacific Islanders' chance to break...
A worry here for Scotland, because just for a moment Samoa appear to have found their high energy levels. A turnover sees Scotland themselves get bodies forward, yet the attack breaks down to sum up large parts of this half. Stuart Hogg has now been taken off, with 100-cap Sean Lamont on in his place.
A late tackle gives Scotland a penalty, but they were looking for the try after getting themselves into a promising position. A drop-goal attempt came to nothing, but the ball is kicked into touch as the Dark Blues go again. Momentum now very much on their side.
Real drama at St James' Park in the final seven minutes, with Scotland camped right on the opposition try-line. We go through 11 phases before Nel finally touches down... or has he? The TMO adjudges that the ball did not touch the ground, to the dismay of the nervous Scottish faithful, meaning that Fotuali'i has kept his side in this one with his challenge.
CONVERTED TRY! SAMOA 26-36 SCOTLAND (GREIG LAIDLAW)
There it is! The try that surely seals Scotland's place in the last eight, and it comes from the influential skipper. The momentum has been behind the Dark Blues for the last 15 minutes or so. Moments after being denied a try, Laidlaw picked up the ball just a few metres from the line and was able to stretch over to put Scotland 10 ahead.
Pascal Lemesre, sat comfortably on the touchline for us today, has this to say:
"A huge collective sigh of relief as captain Laidlaw, the tournament's top-scorer, takes it on himself after a period of heavy pressure. Surely 10 points is enough with just five minutes to go?"
Japan are the big losers after this, of course, knowing that even if they pick up a third win of the competition tomorrow evening they will be out. No side has ever won three matches and gone home, so a piece of history likely to be made.
CONVERTED TRY! SAMOA 33-36 SCOTLAND (MOTU MATU'U)
Credit to Samoa, too, because they have given us one hell of a game today. They work the ball a matter of inches from the line and, just when the attack looked to have stalled with a penalty awarded, they quickly resume play and cross over through replacement Matu'u. Pisi converts to make it just a three-point deficit. Now then...
The ball is knocked forward and Laidlaw pounces. Scotland just need to see out the final 30 seconds, but the tension is simply unbearable...
FULL TIME: SAMOA 33-36 SCOTLAND
What. A. Game. My word that was a real thriller; a classic Rugby World Cup encounter. Scotland showed an incredible amount of character to get themselves over the line, but what about that showing from Samoa!
In the end Scotland did just about enough to wrestle control in the second half and get themselves over the line, meaning a place in the quarter-finals of the Rugby World Cup. It also means that Japan will go home no matter what happens in their final game against USA Tomorrow night.
Scotland will now face the loser of this evening's Pool A clash between Australia and Wales at Twickenham, so before signing off I'll
pass you over to Simon Sinclair to take you through that one. It has plenty to live up to!
