Samoa

Scotland skipper Greig Laidlaw has issued a rallying call to his international teammates demanding a final push to clinch a Rugby World Cup quarter-final slot.

Scotland's worst injury fears failed to materialise after Finn Russell, John Hardie, Ross Ford and Matt Scott were all passed fit for their do-or-die clash with Samoa.

Following South Africa’s historic loss to Japan in their Rugby World Cup opener, Heyneke Meyer and his charges endured one of the worst weeks of their careers these past seven days, as the Springboks were left reeling by the Cherry Blossoms.

Head coach Heyneke Meyer expressed relief after South Africa ended one of the most difficult weeks of his career with a 46-6 six-try, bonus-point victory over Samoa.

Samoan tighthead prop Census Johnston believes his home nation would never have participated in the World Cup without threatening to strike in November.

Samoa are bracing themselves for a South African backlash when the teams square up at Villa Park at the weekend.

Samoa narrowly edged out the USA in their World Cup Pool B opener to begin the tournament with a 25-16 victory in Brighton.

Samoa lock Kane Thompson will miss his country's opening World Cup game after landing a two-match ban.

Samoa have announced their 31-man World Cup squad set to take part in this year's competition.

Lewis Hughes looks at five players who impressed at this year's Pacific Nations Cup to keep an eye on at the World Cup.

Fiji retained their status as Pacific Nations Cup Champions with a thrilling 39-29 victory over rivals Samoa in Canada last night.

After their fine display against the All Blacks in Apia last weekend, attention now turns for Samoa to the upcoming Rugby World Cup.

The world watched last week as the All Blacks made the 2,000 mile journey to Apia, Samoa, where they took part in a historic test against a nation which has had such a prolific bearing on the fortunes of New Zealand rugby.

New Zealand resisted a second-half fightback from Samoa to win 25-16 in this historic match in Apia.

Samoa hosts the All Blacks for the first time at Apia Park, in only the sixth ever match between these two nations.

New Zealand Coach Steve Hansen is set to hand George Moala his first cap when the All Blacks take on Samoa on Wednesday.

It is a rarity to see a number of uncapped players in a New Zealand side, but Coach Steve Hansen has had to make a hold host of changes for their test against Samoa next week.

The Barbarians will entertain Samoa in the first-ever rugby union match at London's Olympic Stadium in August.

There is plenty of rugby union for fans around the world to debate this coming weekend. Talking Rugby Union have shared several articles this week, centred on Stuart Lancaster and his England team.

England number eight Billy Vunipola insists Samoa will "smell blood" when they arrive at Twickenham for Saturday's QBE International.