It was a gala game for Samoa that so very nearly produced a boilover as they pushed Scotland to the hilt at St James’ Park on Saturday in their final World Cup Pool B clash.
They wanted to bow out of the tournament in style, but in the end the Samoans let themselves down with poor discipline allowing the boot of Scotland’s goalkicking scrum-half Greig Laidlaw to give the Scot’s a 36-33 victory.
The win ensured Scotland go into the quarter-finals with South Africa from Pool B while Samoa go home empty handed with only a sole win over the United States to show for the tournament.
But the result could easily have gone the other way in a game where they abandoned caution and out-scored Scotland four tries to three.
Unfortunately for the islanders they abandoned their discipline as well allowing Laidlaw, who scored the match-deciding try, to also kick five penalties.
“Our strategy was to go out here and have some fun and bring back pride Samoa style,” said captain Kahn Fotuali’i.
“We had to muscle up and get some enjoyment out of the way we play as islanders.”
But “Samoa style” saw them concede 19 penalties, and coach Stephen Betham said they could not afford to do that and still expect to win.
“We played our finest game but we still fell short,” Betham said.
“There was a time just before and after half-time when we didn’t take our chances and then towards the end we gave away too many penalties.
“When you give away penalties you can’t win test matches.”
Scotland coach Vern Cotter said he had expected Samoa to play a free-running game and were taken by surprise by the more direct approach.
“We had anticipated they would go to more of a Barbarian style but it wasn’t really because they were very physical, probably one of the most physical games we’ve had,” Cotter said.
“They did catch us unawares but we still managed to stay in and get the win.”
Laidlaw, who could not get his side in front until his fifth successful penalty in the 52nd minute, admitted the Scots “were concerned but we weren’t worried” in the match they had to win.
A loss to Samoa would have put Japan in a prime position to overtake them with a win over the United States on Sunday which would have put the “Brave Blossoms” into the knockout stages for the first time.