adminquarter-finals and move a step closer to defending their title yesterday.
The Springboks took an early 13-0 lead but they were rocked by a punishing assault in the second half as George Stowers powered over to cut the deficit to 13-5 and Samoa sniffed an historic upset.
Samoan full-back Paul Williams was red-carded and South Africa’s John Smit was sin-binned on his record 110th Test in a breathless finish, but there was no further score as the Pacific islanders bowed out with dignity intact.
Samoa have suffered controversies when centre Eliota Fuimaono Sapolu called the schedule “slavery” after their loss to Wales, and wing Alesana Tuilagi is awaiting a hefty fine for wearing the wrong type of mouthguard.
“I wasn’t disappointed, I’m pretty proud of what my boys did out there tonight,” said Samoa captain Mahonri Schwalger. “They gave it all for our people and for our country.”
South Africa’s win makes Wales near-certain to qualify unless they lose by a huge margin to Fiji tomorrow, and sets up a compelling last weekend of pool matches.
Old rivals England and Scotland are preparing for a titanic clash today, while Ireland face a difficult test against Italy tomorrow.
Despite a giant injury list which has forced backrow forward Radike Samo on to the wing, Australia will take their place in the last eight against Russia, and France have a seemingly straightforward task against Tonga. – AFP.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter