18 Jul 2011

Samoa send pre-world cup message

6:33 am on 18 July 2011

Samoa are savouring their finest sporting moment after ambushing Australia 32-23 in a massive Rugby World Cup boost for the tiny Pacific Island nation.

Samoa, population 180,000, of which most live in New Zealand, led 17-0 coming up to halftime before resisting a mini fightback from Australia to run out convincing winners.

After smashing the Wallabies all afternoon, the inspired Samoans were exhausted as they desperately defended their nine-point lead in the closing 10 minutes.

Samoa, who are in the same World Cup pool as defending champions South Africa and Wales, could well meet Australia in the knockout stages in New Zealand in September-October.