VIBE
This all important Pool B match began with a heightened level of intensity that you would expect in the new ‘Pool of Death’ and the level of physicality both teams are famous for. The Springboks, under the pump this RWC following their first up loss to Japan, proved highly clinical bordering on conservative in the first half as they played tight and absorbed a lot of Samoan pressure.
A series of of first half penalties, six of which were taken as successful shots at goal by each side, was interrupted by an intercept try to South African wing JPR Pietersen following some promising Samoan attack. The 15th minute try (unconverted) made the score 8-6 to Samoa with three Handre Pollard penalties the only points for the remainder of the half.
The Samoans were close enough on the scoreboard to have some hope as the teams ran out for the second half but you had the feeling that the Springboks were still in control and just waiting to break out. And break out they did as they ran in five further tries to secure their first win of the RWC, along with a bonus point for tries scored.
It was a statement made by South Africa that they are still very much contenders for the trophy and any team that is going to challenge him is going have to be physically up for it and bang on with their discipline. Samoa couldn’t match it with the Africans in the 2nd half as the the Boks stamped their class on the game.The fact Samoa more often than not opted for shots at goal when awarded penalties demonstrates the defensive challenge they faced.
SCORE & SCORERS
Final score South Africa 46-6 (half time 17-6)
South Africa:
Tries: Pietersen 3, Burger, Brits, Habana
Cons: Pollard, Lambie
Penalties: Pollard 4
Samoa:
Penalties: Stanley 2
INCIDENTS OF NOTE
The only try of the first half was really a big momentum changer. Samoa looked promising up until that stage, scrummaging strongly and looking dangerous in attack. Mike Stanley’s pass was not a great option and set the South Africans up for an impressive win and JP Pietersen for a memorable RWC hat-trick.
From a Samoan perspective, the Pisi brothers all got on the field meaning it was the first time ever in a RWC that three brothers took the field in the same RWC match.
Oh yeah, I guess the moment another idiot fan, a Bok supporter again, decided to invade the field and get involved in the play. He’s lucking he’s still breathing.
SHOULD I BOTHER WATCHING IT?
You could probably afford to fast forward through the first half as there isn’t a whole lot that captures the imagination. The second half opens up a lot, and you have two wonderful performances by opposing fullbacks Tim Nanai-Williams and Willie le Roux.
