Samoa goes down fighting in LA 7s Cup quarterfinals

By Shalveen Chand 27 February 2023, 10:00AM

It was a gallant effort by the Manu Samoa Sevens but mistakes cost the team a spot in the Cup semifinals of the Los Angeles leg of the World Sevens Series.

Argentina deprived Samoa of possession and capitalised on the errors created by the constant pressure to win the game 19-12.

Argentina scored first to lead 7-0 but Samoa replied within the minute as Tuna Tuitama levelling the scores at 7-7.

The teams went to the breather tied but it was Argentina who scored first in the second spell to lead 14-7.

Faafoi Falaniki then finished off a brilliant move to score in the corner. The conversion attempt had the direction but fell short before clearing the bar.

Argentina then captalised on Samoa’s defence not being able to get back after a counter attack and spread the ball wide to score just before the hooter.

Samoa retained possession after the kick-off and were looking good in attack but a wayward pass cost them possession which Argentina booted out to seal the victory.

All is not lost for Samoa as they have a chance to finish fifth in the tournament and keep the hopes for an Olympic spot alive.

Samoa will face South Africa in the fifth place play-off.

In the other quarter finals, Fiji beat South Africa 28-7, New Zealand came out winners 24-12 against Great Britain while Australia routed Ireland 31-7.

Fiji now faces Argentina while Australia and New Zeland keep the Trans-Tasman rivalry alive in the Cup semi-finals.

By Shalveen Chand 27 February 2023, 10:00AM
Samoa Observer

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