Trouble ahead

Scotland to face All Blacks in quarters

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Posted: Wednesday October 20, 1999 06:03 PM

Samoa's Va'aiga Tuigamala (center) and Steven So'oialo tangle with Scotland's Gary Armstrong and Martin Leslie. AP

EDINBURGH, Scotland (CNN/SI) -- Lacking the conviction with which Western Samoa defeated Wales in group play, the last South Pacific side in the tournament fell to Scotland 35-20 in the Rugby World Cup playoffs on Wednesday.

However, Scotland knows its troubles are only starting, for it will face New Zealand in the quarterfinal at Murrayfield.

The All Blacks squad made up part of yet another dismal crowd at a half-full stadium, and would have left with few fears ahead of Sunday's match.

Scotland got a penalty try and one each to flanker Martin Leslie and winger Cameron Murray while Kenny Logan kicked five penalties and conversion and Gregor Townsend added a drop goal.

Samoa's two tries to Semo Sititi and Brian Lima came too late, with Scotland already enjoying a 27-6 lead before the Sititi got the first.

Samoa, which lost a 1991 quarterfinal 28-6 to the Scots at the same ground, came into the match having upset Wales, but seemed unable to carry the same attacking conviction into the elimination contest.

The last South Pacific side alive in the tournament struggled with its lineout and rarely pleased referee David McHugh, but also damaged its chances with some poor option taking early in the second half.

After Logan had kicked a penalty a minute after resumption to extend the lead to 18-6, Samoa peppered the hosts' line, winning a penalty just meters out.

But instead of further testing a stretched Scottish defense, Samoan captain Pat Lam opted for a penalty attempt that Silao Leaega missed.

The Scots moved straight up field, Logan got another penalty and Samoa's chances were gone.

Scotland had dominated a dour first half where the tone was set by a 10-minute period of scrummaging on the Samoan line after Townsend drove the ball deep into Samoan territory in the fifth minute.

Scotland came up with a penalty and opted for a scrum, which was then reset nine times before McHugh awarded the hosts a scrum penalty.

Logan converted for a 7-0 lead on 17 minutes before Leaega reduced it to 7-3 with a penalty on 25 minutes.

Leslie got the second try on 39 minutes after a sustained period of attack and Logan made it 15-3 with an injury time penalty.

The Samoans were handed a lifeline when McHugh gave them a penalty and then advanced it by 10 meters to allow Leaega kick Samoa to a 15-6 deficit.

Samoa started the second half poorly, giving Logan three easy penalties inside 15 minutes while winger Murray ensured the victory with a late try down the left.

"We'll have to play a lot better to beat the All Blacks," admitted Townsend. "There were a lot of turnovers and it's going to take a big step up."

Scotland

Western Samoa

Referee: David McHugh, Ireland.

 

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Scotland vs. Western Samoa Match Summary
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The Associated Press contributed to this report.