TRU contributor James Orpin selects some of his standout performers from the pool stages with the aim of mixing in stars from Tier 1 and Tier 2 nations.

Danny Care scored the decisive try as England survived a scare from Samoa sealing a 18-17 victory in their final game of the group stage in the Rugby World Cup at Stade Pierre-Mauroy on Saturday.

The mentality within the England camp suggested they wouldn't be resting on their laurels against Samoa, and Steve Borthwick's team selection for their final pool match only backs up that point.

England head coach Steve Borthwick has named skipper Owen Farrell and George Ford in the starting line up for the upcoming Rugby World Cup game against Samoa to be played at Stade Pierre-Mauroy on Saturday.

Samoa wing Ben Lam will miss the upcoming Rugby World Cup game against England to be played at Stade Pierre-Mauroy on Saturday following his three-game suspension.

Japan managed to overcome a stern resistance from a 14-man Samoa side as they sealed a 28-22 victory to keep their hope of quarter-final alive. Here are the highlights from the Pool D encounter.

Japan registered their second win in the ongoing Rugby World Cup as they defeated Samoa 28-22 in the Pool D clash at Stadium de Toulouse on Thursday.

With three wins from three at the Rugby World Cup and having expressed themselves against Chile for perhaps the first time under Steve Borthwick, tighthead prop Kyle Sinckler hopes fans can see how hard he and England have worked.

Emiliano Boffelli contributed with 16 points as Argentina managed to beat Samoa 19-10 in a closely fought Pool D encounter of the Rugby World Cup. Here are the highlights from the game.

Emiliano Boffelli contributed with 16 points as Argentina secured their first win in the ongoing Rugby World Cup campaign with a 19-10 victory over Samoa at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard on Friday.

Having switched allegiances from New Zealand, Luatua is bursting with pride to represent Samoa and feels tier two nations are 'here to compete more than ever' at the Rugby World Cup.

Samoa kick-started their Rugby World Cup campaign with a 43-10 bonus point victory over Chile in Bordeaux on Saturday. Watch the highlights of the encounter below.

Despite a first half full of endeavour and spirit from the South Americans, the 17 penalties they conceded were punished by Samoa in Bordeaux. 

Wales, Australia and England will need to improve on recent results if they are to be successful in France with the likes of Fiji and Argentina more than capable of progressing into the last eight.

Ireland have left out veteran prop Cian Healy from the 33-man Rugby World Cup squad announced on Sunday.

Conor Murray and Rob Herring scored second half tries as Ireland came from behind to edge out Samoa 17-13 in their final Rugby World Cup warm-up fixture in Bayonne.

Seilala Lam scored two tries as Samoa came from being 3-17 down to win the Pacific Nations Cup following a three-point victory over Fiji in the final round at Churchill Park in Lautoka.

It has been a "surreal" season for the Saracens forward and playing in the Premiership final at Twickenham is just another chapter in McFarland's journey from international basketballer to professional rugby player.

The clash between Barbarians and Samoa to be played at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday has been called-off due to concerns over the Covid-19.

Former Ireland and Leinster fullback Rob Kearney has announced that he will be retiring from the sport at the conclusion of the Barbarians' game against Samoa scheduled on Saturday.