Samoa open Sydney Sevens with loss

By Thomas Airey 02 February 2019, 12:00AM

A consummate performance from England saw them gain revenge over Samoa with a 24-12 win in their first match of the Sydney round of the World Rugby Sevens Series this afternoon.

The two teams played first up last week in Hamilton as well, with the Manu Samoa 7s taking an upset win 12-10.

But this time England had too much class for Sir Gordon Tietjens’ side.

The tone was set from kickoff, where England were able to recover the ball.

They were able to keep possession for far longer periods than Samoa, who struggled to test the defence with any consistency on the ball.

Dan Norton made Siaosi Asofolau miss one on one early, and a few phases later England’s Richard de Carpentier scored inside of a minute.

Asofolau tapped the resulting kickoff back for Samoa, who made a good break through Tomasi Alosio.

With quick ball from the ruck, the ball went wide to Alamanda Motuga, who made it 5-5 when he crossed in the corner.

Samoa kicked off deep into England territory, but they were able to build by keeping possession and working their way forward.

A line break after three missed tackles from Samoa put the Manu under pressure, and after winning a penalty and taking it quickly, and Will Muir scored in the 5th minute.

Possession changed hands a few times before the end of the half, with neither side able to change the 12-5 scoreline.

Samoa got a good chance to put something together when England knocked on at the restart.

They chose to put a kick in behind for substitute Johnny Vaili to chase, but Tom Bowen was able to clean up before Samoa conceded a breakdown penalty.

Again England built from their own half, with patient phase play following a clean break from Bowen.

Phil Burgess went over on the end of some nice passing, and England were up to a 19-5 lead with two minutes remaining.

When they scored again through after regathering the kickoff, the result was beyond any doubt.

Samoa put together their best piece of play by far in the final minute.

Asofolau made an explosive burst up the middle, which set up the chance for Joe Perez to score out wide after some quick ball.

Substitute Danny Tusitala landed the conversion, but it was too little too late.

The Manu Samoa 7s will play Japan in their second game of Pool A at 7:40pm Samoan time.

By Thomas Airey 02 February 2019, 12:00AM

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