Rugby World Cup Match Report - Wales 17 - 10 Samoa

Sunday 18 September 2011

Wales ground out a 17-10 win against Samoa in Wellington in what was a very hotly contested match. Shane Williams' try and 12 points from the boot gave the Welsh their first win of this year's tournament.

First Half

An error by the South Sea Islanders gave Wales an early chance to get points on the board after the Samoan front row collapsed giving Wales a penalty just inside the Samoa half. James Hook's effort was just short meaning the scores remained level.

Samoa shook off that early mistake and grew into the game putting great pressure on the Wales defence inside the first six minutes but without any end product to show for their good work.

The first points of the game went to Warren Gatland's side after 10 minutes when Samoa's number 7 Fa'asavalu was penalised for a high tackle on Rhys Priestland. The penalty kick was converted by James Hook giving Wales a three points lead.

The Welsh were growing in confidence and this was highlighted when Jamie Roberts' powerful run penetrated Samoa's defensive line.

It took until the 20^th minute for Samoa to get on the score sheet; but they did so after applying strong pressure on Wales. The pressure clearly got to Wales who were punished for not being back 10 metres which gave full back Paul Williams a simple penalty to level the scores midway through the first half.

Gatland's side regained the lead six minutes later after a phenomenal drive from the Welsh forwards forced the Samoans into collapsing the scrum and despite falling in the process, James Hook kicked the three points.

Samoa's build up play was very patient and they were almost rewarded on the half hour mark but for a superb try saving tackle by Mike Phillips only inches from the try line. They were frustrated even more only moments later when they were handed the opportunity to draw level in the match after the Welsh failed to release the ball at the breakdown, but Paul Williams' kick went wide of the posts.

Samoa's relentless pressure finally told at the end of the first half as they were finally rewarded for their bravery with a try on the stroke of halt time. Wales conceded the penalty which the Samoans opted to kick into touch and after a prolonged period of pressure Anthony Perenise eventually found space to run over the try line after George North was left isolated on the right wing. Paul Williams converted the try giving the South Sea Islanders a four point lead at the break.

Second Half

Wales got off to a good start in the second period as they narrowed the deficit to just one point after only two minutes when Rhys Priestland's long penalty kick bounced in off the woodwork. After an impressive spell from the Welsh, Samoa hit back with an equally impressive bout of attacks and they were handed a chance to regain their four points lead when Wales were punished by Alain Rolland for leaving their feet after Samoa turned the ball over. Paul Williams put his second successive kick wide of the posts in what was a huge let off for Wales. Samoa began to dominate the match as Wales lacked the belief and composure they showed so brilliantly in last week's 17-16 defeat to South Africa. Despite this, Gatland will be delighted with the efforts of his side defensively as they refused to allow the powerful Samoans any chances to breakthrough.

Wales made two changes midway through the second half as Lloyd Burns replaced Huw Bennett and Paul James was withdrawn for the returning Gethin Jenkins. The changes refreshed Wales and after a good piece of play by Alesana Tuilagi they were able to force the turnover and start taking control of the game. Wales finally re took the lead from another Rhys Priestland penalty thanks to an immense play from the impressive Jamie Roberts as the game entered the final quarter.

Only minutes later, Wales had their first try of the game thanks to replacement Leigh Halfpenny's sprint from inside his own half. Halfpenny found support from Jonathan Davies who fumbled the ball but the ever reliable Shane Williams was on hand to score the try; which Rhys Priestland failed to convert from a very tight angle.

Wales continued to make errors in the final ten minutes of the match as Samoa became rampant in their search for a late try but the Welsh defence held firm throughout the final period despite Samoa's late efforts.

Man of the Match: Jamie Roberts

Wales:

Tries: Shane Williams (1)

Conversions: None

Penalties: James Hook (2), Rhys Priestland (2)

Samoa:

Tries: Anthony Perenise

Conversions: Paul Williams (1)

Penalties: Paul Williams (1)