10 Sep 2007

Samoa beaten by South Africa in first World Cup game

10:20 am on 10 September 2007

Samoa rugby captain, Semo Sititi, says the referee wasn't on their side but that's no excuse in the 59-7 World Cup opening defeat to South Africa in Paris.

Sititi says it was physically tough but he's proud about how Samoa's scrum coped while attack and defence were good in the first half.

Samoa trailed 21-7 at the break.

Brian Lima made a record breaking appearance, the first player to compete at five Cups, but it was short lived after a head clash forced him off.

Sititi says Lima looks okay but he's being checked out in hospital.

Samoa will next play Tonga next weekend in Montpellier.