Player ratings: Samoan savages
Samoa’s infamous off-the-ball antics resurfaced in their 23-56 drubbing at the hands of the Springboks at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
As in the teams’ World Cup pool game two years ago, the outplayed Pacific Islanders turned to thuggish tactics in frustration.
Their attitude was disgraceful and a pity given what they accomplished to set up the showdown with South Africa.
Quintin van Jaarsveld rates the Samoan players.
15 James So'oialo
His despicable act on Adriaan Strauss marred his game, which included a try-saving tackle on Tendai Mtawarira, and should earn him a lengthy ban.
1/10
14 Alapati Leiua
The best of the Samoan backs. He made ample yards – 90 metres to be exact – in another solid performance at Test level.
7/10
13 Paul Williams (captain)
A good individual outing but his inexperience as a leader was exposed in the way his team’s discipline unravelled.
6.5/10
12 Johnny Leota
Put his body on the line and made inroads with ball in hand.
6.5/10
11 Alesana Tuilagi
A disgraceful performance on all fronts. His malicious hit on Springbok captain Jean de Villiers ought to lead to a suspension and he cost his team a try with some poor defence.
1/10
10 Tusi Pisi
Definitely best suited at flyhalf. He made some scintillating breaks but needs to work on his defence.
6.5/10
9 Jeremy Su'a
Kept the Springboks honest around the fringes. Lucky to get away with stamping on Francois Louw but can expect to be cited.
5/10
8 Taiasina Tuifu'a
His performance reeked of spite and errors. He conceded an early penalty at the maul that gifted the Springboks their first points, made a number of unforced handling errors and showed malicious intent at the breakdown.
5/10
7 Jack Lam
One of a few Samoan players who managed to execute some big hits while staying within the laws.
7/10
6 Ofisa Treviranus
Workmanlike but outmuscled in the tight-loose.
6/10
5 Daniel Leo
Strong on defence and a reliable line-out target. Coughed up the ball five metres from the try-line.
6/10
4 Filo Paulo
Rewarded for a good overall game and strong ball-carrying with his first Test try.
7/10
3 Logovi'i Mulipola
Conceded a scrum penalty and a yellow card.
3/10
2 Ole Avei
A courageous outing by the smallest forward on the park., making 12 carries and beating three defenders.
6.5/10
1 Sakaria Taulafo
Kept a cleansheet as far as penalties is concerned but was lazy across the park.
5.5/10
Replacements:
16 Ti'i Paulo (on for Avei, 53rd minute)
Made a few telling carries and won a turnover.
6/10
17 James Johnston (on for Mulipola, 66th minute)
Not enough time to be rated.
18 Census Johnston (on for Taulafo, 56th minute)
Was a liability of defence and conceded a penalty.
4/10
19 Kane Thompson (on for Paulo, 53rd minute)
Another player who let his team down defensively.
5/10
20 Junior Poluleuligaga (on for Su’a, 66th minute)
Caught the Springboks unawares to score a set-piece try but not enough time to be rated.
21 Brando Va'aulu (on for Leiua, 57th minute)
Had one notable run.
5.5/10
22 Seilala Mapusua (on for Leota, 21st minute; on for So’oialo, 59th minute)
Injected some energy into the side during his two cameos.
6/10
23 Alafoti Fa'osiliva (on for Treviranus, 66th minute)
Not enough time to be rated.
