Sent off: Samoa's Paul Williams
South Africa remained unbeaten in Pool D and move on to the World Cup quarter-finals after beating Samoa 13-5 at North Harbour Stadium on Friday.
Samoa knew going in that it would be a tough ask to make it into the quarter-finals, but no one ever doubted they would fight until the final whistle.
There was a smidge of 'what might have been' attached to the result though for the islanders as had Mahonri Schwalger grounded a score, who knows what might of happened in the final stages. As it was the reigning champions had enough in the tank to stave off their opponents.
The Springboks came out with intent and quickly set about using their star player of the tournament thus far, Danie Rossouw, to make the metres. Nothing came of their foray after Morne Steyn sliced a drop-goal attempt, but the marker was laid that they weren't going to lose the physical.
South Africa tried for the opening points again moments later when Frans Steyn had a 60-metre penalty shot after good breakdown work from Heinrich Brüssow. That struck the crossbar in what turned out to only be delaying the inevitable as the Bok power soon shone through. They attacked down the left via Schalk Burger, who used his backline, which allowed Bryan Habana to cross in the corner. Morne Steyn's conversion made it 7-0 on ten minutes.
Samoa needed to up the ante and subsequently played to their strengths, with carrying from George Stowers and Seilala Mapusua making ground. That passage certainly let the Boks know they were not going to have it all their own way in Albany as slowly but surely Samoa gained momentum, being willed on by their passionate supporters. It was also apparent South Africa were not going to enjoy a similar score of their triumphs in 2007 and 2003.
That was not to say the Boks were struggling to make their presence felt, and with Frans Steyn sending over a 65-metre penalty on 25 minutes, they knew territory was not going to be a problem. That three was promptly doubled by namesake Morne two minutes later too as Samoa were penalised at scrum-time. 13-0 it was with barely half-an-hour played as Samoa's hopes looked to be getting even slimmer. Wales' fate was also almost known.
North Harbour Stadium was treated to a pulsating finish to the half when Kahn Fotuali'i broke down the right wing before handing on to Mapusua, but the ex-Exiles centre's Hail Mary pass failed to find its man, sending the teams in at 13-0 in favour of the Springboks.
It was a bumper 29,734 crowd on Friday that while packed into an open stadium, did not lack in atmosphere with the vocal Bok fans met by the islanders. And the former were soon to be silenced by a mass of noise from those waving blue and red as a lovely dummy and run from Tusi Pisi unlocked the defence. His offload to Mapusua was then recycled for Stowers to crash in. Pisi missed the kick that would have brought them within one score.
South Africa could have blamed that swing in momentum on the fact they had lost duo Habana and Rossouw, who later returned, to injuries minutes earlier. However, that is doing a disservice to Samoa who were turning up the heat on their rivals during the opening 20 minutes of the second stanza. The Boks needed to some fresh legs and Peter de Villiers oblidged, throwing on forwards Gurthrö Steenkamp and Willem Alberts for the last quarter.
It did little disarm the Samoan assault though as they kept on coming, mixing power up front with stepping wider out until Schwalger came within touching distance of the line before fumbling. Was that to be the moment that would haunt his outfit in the morning?
That it proved to be as an ill-tempered finish that saw Paul Williams sent-off for pushing Brüssow in the face and then John Smit shown yellow after a deliberate slap-down, ultimately ended Samoa's 2011. South Africa are now set to face the Wallabies.
Man of the match: Although on the losing side, Tusi Pisi again showed that he had a big future leading Samoa. The fly-half was light on his feet throughout and marshalled well, finding holes on more than one occasion. Mentions too for Bok props Tendai Mtawarira and Jannie du Plessis at scrum-time and also flanker Schalk Burger, who was a genuine nuisance to Maurie Fa'asavalu and George Stowers. David Lemi was also very impressive.
Moment of the match: Had captain Mahonri Schwalger managed to hold onto the ball when reaching out on 66 minutes, maybe the Samoans were on the verge of something historic. But it was not meant to be as even with John Smit going to the sin-bin soon after, South Africa held on to top the Pool and set up a probable last-eight clash with Australia.
Villain of the match: It was played hard but fair until Paul Williams pushed/punched Heinrich Brüssow after being held at a breakdown. Williams will be upset with how he ended the tournament as the frustration got the better of him.
The scorers:
For South Africa:
Try: Habana
Con: M Steyn
Pens: F Steyn, M Steyn
For Samoa:
Try: Stowers
Red card: Paul Williams, 67 mins (Samoa, punching)
Yellow card: John Smit, 70 mins (SA, killing the ball)
Samoa: 15 Paul Williams, 14 David Lemi, 13 Seilala Mapusua, 12 Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu, 11 Alesana Tuilagi, 10 Tusi Pisi, 9 Kahn Fotuali'i, 8 George Stowers, 7 Maurie Faasavalu, 6 Taiasina Tuifua, 5 Kane Thompson, 4 Daniel Leo, 3 Census Johnston, 2 Mahonri Schwalger (c), 1 Sakaria Taulafo.
Replacements: 16 Ole Avei, 17 Anthony Perenise, 18 Logovi'i Mulipola, 19 Ofisa Treviranus, 20 Filipo Lavea Levi, 21 Junior Poluleuligaga, 22 George Pisi.
South Africa: 15 Pat Lambie, 14 JP Pietersen, 13 Jaque Fourie, 12 Frans Steyn, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Morné Steyn, 9 Fourie Du Preez, 8 Pierre Spies, 7 Schalk Burger, 6 Heinrich Brüssow, 5 Victor Matfield (c), 4 Danie Rossouw, 3 Jannie Du Plessis, 2 Bismarck Du Plessis, 1 Tendai Mtawarira.
Replacements: 16 John Smit, 17 Gurthrö Steenkamp, 18 CJ van der Linde, 19 Willem Alberts, 20 Francois Louw, 21 Francois Hougaard, 22 Jean De Villiers.
Referee: Nigel Owens
By Adam Kyriacou at North Harbour Stadium
Comments
jakedamuss says...
@danuk. mate lets be honest if the whites in south africa had their way their wouldnt be any other races in their team nor would they play against samoans for that matter and as ugly as that sounds it is the truth. eliota was completely right albeit unwise in voicing his opinion as a professional rugby player. Samoa were the better team on the night and deserved the win. My problem however lies with the fact that the irb allowed a welshman to referree the game when the outcome would determine whether wales stayed in the tournament.
Posted 21:12 03rd October 2011
crunchfit says...
@carpelone
I am not from South Africa. I am from Ireland. One of my parents is South African. Still whining about Munster / Ireland killing the ball? You're two years late mate. The game has moved on, so should you. And you should take care of that chip on your shoulder. Hard luck buddy! Better luck next time.
Posted 20:39 02nd October 2011
turmeric says...
@Danuk - You are wrong mate, you need to go and read the rules again!! David Lemi was not held in the tackle and therefore he is allowed to return to his feet. Word of advice; If you are going to quote IRB rules make sure you get them correct as it is very deceptive otherwise.
Posted 21:59 01st October 2011
crunchfit says...
@Danuk
What? I didn't say he deserved a red but he clearly did hit Williams on the back of the head and the arm. Watch the incident again. It's pretty easy to see.
Posted 19:02 01st October 2011
Carpelone says...
Crunchfit.
In Ireland, you have an academy in which they learn how to kill the ball. It is called Munster, the side which cheat the most. Killing the ball was the way which won you the game against Australia, just because they do not sufficient power upfront to carry away your forwards. Please refrain to pontificate about killing the ball. I can't believe that you are from South Africa.
Posted 19:00 01st October 2011
Carpelone says...
I managed to see the game at last and the Boks deservedly went through. In the first half, our game plan was conservative and effective. 13 to 0 and could have been more.
Samoa got their chances when to consecutive substitutions on the same wing took the focus off. But, similarly to the game with Wales, whenever we had to score, we did it. There was no single moment in which we put the game at risk.
I lost respect for the Samoans, they were clearly pumped up and tried to provoke our boys. Maybe not thugs, what about bar brawlers?
I think that Nigel Owens had a good game, the only mistake was the yellow card to Smit.
Now, bring on the Italians.
Finally, it is amazing how many bitter haters of South Africans are out there. A lot of enemies, a lot of honour.
Posted 18:51 01st October 2011
Ramage says...
It is sad when people go overboard and use wordsthey shouldnt in their disappointment over the result of the game. How can one accuse anone of being racist in a game of rugby because something is done on the field. It would be different if someone said something and was reported by the officials for doing something. Also as I said in an earlier post whilst Owens did not have a good game to accuse him of being racist is ridiculous. Williams had to go based on the report of the assistant which to me was remiss as to what Brussow did. I am not trying to say that Williams should not have been punished but I also believe the words thugs is over the top. There is another article on PR which shows that Williams will not be punished further as what he did was at the lower end of the scale. before those who called the Samoans rush to print over this matter can I ask them to read very carefully what was said by the judiciary in ruling on the matter. It shows that some of the posts about thugs is over the top and shows that the blinkers are on. Having sat on a Rugby judicial Panel and having the rules that are outlined and followed it does not surprise me that the sending off was looked on as being sufficient. Rest assured it will be recorded against Williams,
Finally I couldnt agree more with Wallaroo and his statement about the way South Africa made the change from the Apartheid regime to the modern South Africa. I honestly thought the only way it would be solved was through the barrel of a gun. The fact it wasnt is remarkable and I did not take into account the two leaders Mandela and de Klerk who were able to see this through with the will of the South African peoples. Sure there are problems but name me one country that does not have its own internal problems. I hope the posts do not degenerate into a slanging match.
Posted 12:06 01st October 2011
Ramage says...
@Clint_Za Thanks for replying and your courtesy in doing so. However though you say my comments were laughable Perhaps I may comment on how you have misrepresented much of what I have said and only chosen to put your own slant on them. First my name is Ramage and it is a courtesy when addressing someone to use their correct name. You then challenge me saying I'm a neutral and my comments show who I supported. Pardon? I am neither Saffa or a Samoan and as I am not I believe I am neutral unlike yourself who is a Saffa and even puts your Country's Za sign on your profile. Just because I do not go along with many of the blindly patriotic posts by most of the Saffas on here I am then told I am not neutral. The views I posted were written after the game and up until this game I actually believed that SA would be hard to beat. However I saw a number of weaknesses today that sides more experienced than Samoa would be able to exploit . This does not mean though that I write off SA it is just that if SA go into the game against Australia with the same tactics of kicking away the ball they risk playing right into the Wallabies hands. The problem you have as a one eyed Sth African is that you cannot accept that others may have a different point of view. I can accept I could be wrong but it is my opinion that the Samoans showed up some weaknesses in Sth African tactics that others will exploit. When Australia play South Africa in the QF as I expect Ireland to beat Italy, and yes I could be wrong, whether Australia have lost a game or not is irrelevant and if you cant see that then your comment is more than laughable it is ridiculous. The other comments regarding what I said have been totally misrepresented by you and I suggest you go and reread what I have said. I state what I think after watching the game and whilst some are arguable depending on how they are seen some are not.
Posted 04:58 01st October 2011
JayStarr says...
Aaah damn - I opened the article "Samoa captain slams ref" with a genuine hope of finding that Schwalger power-slammed Nigel Owens after the match... Stop enticing us with your misleading little article titles PR!
And while on that topic... After reading about Jonny Wilkinson's "Ballgate" (shock! horror!), I couldn't help wondering what the media would call a scandal actually involving a gate.
These are my musings for today.
Posted 00:55 01st October 2011
JayStarr says...
@ rugbylover11: I always reply to people commenting on my posts, but you make no sense whatsoever..! For some reason I hear the voice of the Wicked Witch of the West when I read your posts - I think it's all the "hehehehehehehe"-ing...
Posted 00:40 01st October 2011
Danuk says...
@jakedamuss your an idiot, how were the South Africans racists? There are different races in the SA team!?! What did they do to reflect racism? What a stupid statement
Posted 00:14 01st October 2011
Danuk says...
For the people who say Lemi was wronged, please check out the laws of the game we call rugby, as defined by the IRB:
15.3 BROUGHT TO THE GROUND DEFINED
(a) If the ball carrier has one knee or both knees on the ground, that player has been ¿brought to ground¿.
15.5 THE TACKLED PLAYER
(b) A tackled player must immediately pass the ball or release it. That player must also get up or move away from it at once.
Sanction: Penalty kick
Posted 00:04 01st October 2011
mashona says...
I am amazed at the level of anti bok comments here, as an outsider the Boks won a hard physical game against a side intent on trying to upset by whatever means, which is always a difficult attitude to play - the ref was terrible for both sides, get rid of him please IRB. As to Brussouw acting - I would ask those who are sceptical to have someone smack them upwards in the nose with an open palm and see how they like it - this is taught as a disabling strike in many martial arts
Posted 00:04 01st October 2011
BobbyS says...
Phil I'm sure Brussow is having sleepless nights knowing you have lost your admiration for him, what game were you watching? the samoan-ing have no place in international rugby, a competent ref would have sent off at least another 5 of these silly thugs, Danuk you are spot on, talent won over thuggery with no help from the ref
Posted 23:13 30th September 2011
Brianph says...
With regard to Paul Williams red card. Lets face it he not only let his team mates down he also let his team down and his country. Just because he has no discipline . He was already on thin ice because of an incident in the 1st half. The consequences of what he did not only affected him it also affected his team. The Samoan fans should have a right to be disappointed with him.
Posted 23:11 30th September 2011
Ripzy007 says...
@Indy - Cry bsby - the Boks were worse with off the ball incidences.
@Objective - u talking about the Boks as THUGS - spot on.
@Poefie - the Boks are the biggest thugs in world rugby. they are dirty scums and that is why they will lose and not make the RWC finals...Open your other eye you one-eyed bok supporter....
Posted 23:05 30th September 2011
rugby_phile says...
@yank. If you are a yank I am from Mars. People here including myself are commenting on the SA/Samoa game, where did your comments come from? Obviously the ABs do give you nightmares, but get a life and stick to the matter at hand.
Posted 22:32 30th September 2011
Danuk says...
@Crunchfit dude, please, so let me guess Brussouw was the bad guy in the red card? The Samoans came into the game trying to use these tactics to unsettle the boks. They picked it up in the 2nd half and it worked.
Doesn't mean it's good for rugby and their attitude sucks. I mean how would you go and taunt a player who is hurt, like when Hougaard went down the Samoan flanker went to go and taunt him, until Nigel chased him away. Seriously?
Posted 22:26 30th September 2011
tuisamaurugby says...
gooseberry yea a little bush for south africans is good because you are some criebabies men in rugby starting from your coach i bet if you lost your coach would have said all excuses and bad things about the ref just how he does in past trinations and tests that sa lost.....
Posted 22:15 30th September 2011
tuisamaurugby says...
gooseberry yea a little bush for south africans is good because you are some criebabies men in rugby starting from your coach i bet if you lost your coach would have said all excuses and bad things about the ref just how he does in past trinations and tests that sa lost.....
Posted 22:15 30th September 2011