The intent of the Samoans was clear from the outset as they looked to claim their second upset victory in as many weeks. A passionate rendition of the Siva Tau surely left no doubt in the minds of the French that the tourists were not there just to make up the numbers. Each side opted to take a pragmatic approach initially, a route not usually taken by Pacific Island sides, but then this Samoan side had already shown that they were well capable of maintaining their composure.
As the two teams battled for superiority, the French at last seemed to gain an edge, driving hard through their forwards to within a few short metres of the Samoan tryline. Their concentration lapsed for a crucial moment, though, and the ball was turned over. The counter attack came and after several phases the unlikeliest of magicians appeared in the form of enormous tighthead prop Census Johnston. With the deftness of a seasoned footballer the big man conjured a sublime grubber that popped up perfectly to Robert Lilomaiava, who brilliantly tapped the ball back in play to find his captain David Lemi unmarked and in under the posts.
The stunned hosts wasted no time in responding, as they stormed up in defence and Frederic Michalak managed to charge down Tusi Pisi’s clearance attempt. The ball bounced kindly and France were in for their own seven pointer to draw the scores level. Morgan Parra missed a kickable penalty just after the half hour mark, but made amends a couple minutes later to give his side their first lead of the match. Pisi had a chance to level the scores on the stroke of halftime but pulled his kick just to the left of the uprights.
Samoa had to score early in the second act to stay within reach, and they did. The pack smashed its way towards the line, and after being initially repelled the giant arm of Joe Tekori reached through two tacklers to touch the ball on the line. Pisi converted and Samoa were back in the lead, where they would remain for another twenty minutes until Michalak kicked his second penalty of the half to retrieve the game for his team. The Manu had enough possession and scoring chances to stay in touch, but Pisi’s boot let him down and the discipline that had served them so well began to fade with silly penalties to Tivani Foma’i and then Taiasina Tu’ifua costing them another six points.
Stephen Betham, assisted by Pat Lam, has done a wonderful job with this Samoan side, but he will be bitterly disappointed that they could not close out the game when for the best part of it his men were the better side. The likes of Tekori, Johnston, and the relentless Maurie Fa’asavalu had massive games up front, and Betham will rue the lack of a top class goal kicker, in the absence of suspended James So’oialo, to convert the chances on offer. The French didn’t exactly play badly either, but they were unable to maintain the blistering form that they had taken into the match in the face of the steadfast Samoan defenders.
This marks the end of the 2012 programme for both sides, with each taking plenty of positives from their last few weeks together. The re-introduction of players like Michalak and Yannick Nyanga, and the addition of others who have proven themselves capable of playing at the highest level are boosts for a new look French side. For Samoa, the question is whether these results signal the coming of a new era of Pacific confidence, with the stigmas of recklessness and tactical naivety left behind and performances such as these becoming the norm rather than the exception. The rugby world can only hope.
SCORING
14 mins – David Lemi try 0-5
15 mins – Tusi Pisi con 0-7
18 mins – Frederic Michalak try 5-7
19 mins – Frederic Michalak con 7-7
35 mins – Morgan Parra pen 10-7
42 mins – Joe Tekori try 10-12
42 mins – Tusi Pisi con 10-14
56 mins – Frederic Michalak pen 13-14
60 mins – Frederic Michalak pen 16-14
71 mins – Frederic Michalak pen 19-14
77 mins – Frederic Michalak pen 22-14
FRANCE
Brice Dulin; Wesley Fofana, Florian Fritz (Yoann Huget 66), Maxime Mermoz, Vincent Clerc; Frederic Michalak, Morgan Parra (Maxime Machenaud 59); Thomas Domingo (Yannick Forestier 44), Benjamin Kayser (Dimitri Szarzewski 44), Nicolas Mas (Vincent Debaty 57); Pascal Pape (capt.), Yoann Maestri (Jocelino Suta 69); Yannick Nyanga, Fulgence Ouedraogo, Louis Picamoles (Damien Chouly 63).
SAMOA
David Lemi (capt.); Paul Perez, George Pisi, Johnny Leota (Ki Anufe 3-7, 73), Robert Lilomaiava; Tusi Pisi, Kahn Fotuali’i (Jeremy Su’a 76); Sakaria Taulafo, Ti’i Paulo (Ole Avei HT), Census Johnston (James Johnston 50); Filo Paulo (Fa’atiga Lemalu 54), Joe Tekori; Ofisa Treviranus (Tivani Foma’i 66), Maurie Fa’asavalu, Taiasina Tu’ifua.
