Samoa grabbed their first win at the World Rugby Under 20 Championship, edging hosts Italy 30-24 in Calvisano this morning.
But the failure to get a four try bonus point means they have fallen short of their pre-tournament goal and remain at risk of relegation.
The Italians scored first after just three minutes but the Baby Manu fought back with tries to first five Orbyn Leger and left wing Malu Falaniko to lead 20-12 at halftime.
And after conceding two quick tries shortly after halftime, Samoa scored again through lock Ben Tuiomanufili, with ten minutes remaining, to retake the lead.
Stand-in skipper Josh Ioane says it's good to get a win but the team is also disappointed.
"That middle pool, five to eighth, that was our goal coming into the tournament to improve from last year - the boys came eighth last year - but we were just unlucky today. We had our opportunity [for a fourth try], we could have taken it but we didn't. We couldn't hold them off in the first ten minutes - they scored straight away - but credit to our boys for coming back, especially at the end where we were down but we're going to have to brush that [disappointment] and just move on to the next game".
Samoa will play Japan on Tuesday in the playoff for 9th to 12th place.
Samoa beat Italy 30-24 for their first win at the World Rugby U20 Championship. Photo: Daniele Resini/Fotosportit
