Samoa bowed out of the World Cup following defeat to the Fiji Bati in the quarter-final at Warrington and became the tenth team to exit the World Cup.
My World Cup experience
I saw their first match at Warrington against the Kiwis on TV, as I’d gone to watch France play PNG in Hull instead. In years to come, I shall try not to become one of the 40 or 50,000 people who claims “I was there”, as the game will no doubt take on mythical qualities as time passes.
I first saw Samoa on my next trip to Craven Park for their victory over PNG and then took the train to Perpignan to watch them bash the French to claim second spot in the group and a match up with Fiji in the quarters. They quite enjoyed that win in France!
What we got, compared to what was expected
They were a huge let down in 2008, losing to Ireland at Parramatta. This time they came with Government funding and a threat to not disappoint, and then they got 50 points put on them by England’s second string! It wasn’t looking good.
But then the comp started properly. Their come back from 22-0 down to the Kiwis showed great effort in the face of tough opposition and won them many admirers. Their foul play in France however, lost them quite a few, and they will be disappointed in how they failed to rise to the occasion in the quarter-final. However a place in the quarter-finals should keep the folks back home happy.
Memories that will live with me
The atmosphere of the game again the Kiwis was captured brilliantly on TV and the commentary of Andrew Voss was a pure pleasure. The period when they scored try after try was quite sensational.
Memories I’ll try and forget
Four players on report and three dirty attacks on the French half-back once the ball had gone were not tactics worthy of a side like Samoa.
What should happen between now and 2017
They should take part in regular internationals against the other Pacific Nations and be involved in a play-off for the next 4Nations Down Under, in an attempt to encourage Samoan youngsters to pick Samoa ahead of New Zealand.
What I reckon will happen between now and 2017
They’ll probably get one-off matches against Tonga. Their best players will continue to choose the Kiwis and then we’ll expect them to magically pick up from where they left off at the 2017 World Cup.
If Samoa were a girlfriend
She’s a big girl and no mistake. Mess her about and you’re likely to get a clout, but she’s got a gentle side too. If you give her the attention she deserves, then this could turn into something special.
The Rugby League World Cup 