It will all depend how Samoa come together. Japan have had x 2 games versus NZ XV even if the first game was a Japan XV.

Looked like a knock on but Japan are awarded a try, 7-0. Samoa dominating scrums

Mathieu Raynal showing why I fear the officiating at the RWC. That Japanese try should not have been awarded. It was a clear knock-on, but he disagrees with his TMO and about everyone else.

Great scrum from Samoa.

Oh oh, hearing the "check, check". I can feel that card coming.

Taleni Seu sent to the bin. Fortunately only yellow.

Should be red card for M Leitch for shoulder to the head

That shoulder charge from Leitch has to be red.

I agree. Should be a red.

They don't apply the TMO protocol that we've been used to in SRP and U20 Ch'ship. Give a yellow and leave it to the TMO to upgrade or not.

Leitch charged hard into that shoulder first. No mitigation.

Was that a 20 min red card, or a full game one?

@Tim Full game.

That was mad by Leitch. WTAF.

Time for the 2nd half to start. The commentators now start talking about the red card being harsh. Geez.

Toala not playing his best game.

@Stargazer said in Japan vs Samoa 2023:

Time for the 2nd half to start. The commentators now start talking about the red card being harsh. Geez.

Yeah, that was a pretty clear red and they should reserve these kinds of comments for situations like the Angus Ta'avao red vs Ireland (travesty)

@Stargazer said in Japan vs Samoa 2023:

Time for the 2nd half to start. The commentators now start talking about the red card being harsh. Geez.

Japanese commentators were pretty clear that it was a clear red, at least from what I heard (only started watching from half time)

Japan staying in this. Kick this penalty and they’ll have a 5 point lead with 20 to go

Not for long, Samoa on top now with 9 left. Japan’s only chance is probably territory and a penalty

Man Samoa have made this very hard.

Having watched this game, I'm somehow not looking forward to the RWC.

Taleni Seu was huge today. Easily MOTM for me. Samoa have a fairly handy side and could surprise as they spend more time together.

I was also impressed with Samoa's scrum. Paul Alo Emile and Jordan Lay monstered the Japanese scrum.

Samoan lineout was something like 6/16 of their own throws, worst lineout performance I've seen, no hyperbole. Handling was atrocious from both sides. Fitting it ended with "check check"-TMO pointing out a neck roll. Shit game to watch

@Tordah Geez mate, I enjoyed the game. TMO was making his precence felt, but in general I have really enjoyed this and the Fiji/Tonga game! Putting it down as good day of rugby, been standing out in bloody cold day and watched a good 1st XV game, and then came home and watched these 2 games having an ejoyable craft beer or 2!!

Japan could have and should have won that despite being down to 14

@MiketheSnow Nah, they struggled to score tries. It was 3 - 1 to Samoa in tries and Japan's only try was awarded after a knock-on. Samoa deserved their win; it was their ill-discipline and ref's pedantry that kept Japan in it. Without Leitch's red card the result might have been different.

@Stargazer said in Japan vs Samoa 2023:

@MiketheSnow Nah, they struggled to score tries. It was 3 - 1 to Samoa in tries and Japan's only try was awarded after a knock-on. Samoa deserved their win; it was their ill-discipline and ref's pedantry that kept Japan in it. Without Leitch's red card the result might have been different.

Someone who could kick a drop goal would have been good

And try scoring was difficult because of being a man down and Samoa committing pens

@MiketheSnow Yeah, but you said that they should have won despite being down to 14. That's the part I disagree with. Being a man down would have been a valid argument if you had said they should have won full stop (so with 15 men).

IMO, with Japan being a man down, Samoa could and should have won that more easily. They made it unnecessarily hard by giving away so many penalties.

Could have and should have won even with 14 men

That better?

In possession, under little pressure

Perfect position and opportunity for a drop goal for the win