Samoa made a winning start to the Rugby World Cup, outmuscling the United States 25-16 in Brighton.
Man of the match Tim Nanai-Williams and captain Ofisa Treviranus scored the tries while the boot of Tusi Pisi and Mike Stanley ensured the Manu maintained their lead throughout the match.
Manu Samoa captain Ofisa Treviranus celebrates with teammates after scoring a try. Photo: AFP
The US continued to question the Samoan defence, with the power of Thretton Palamo and raw pace of Takudzwa Ngwenya a constant threat, and managed a consolation try in the final minutes.
Coach Stephen Betham says there is plenty to work on but they're happy to take the win and move on.
"We talked about [at] half-time not forcing 50/50 errors, which we did in the first half. We made a lot of breaks and didn't finish them off and at the end of the day that made the game real hard for us. We've got a lot to tidy up before next weekend".
Stephen Betham says he one of most pleasing aspects for him was Samoa's improved discipline.
"This is one of the first games we've got through without anyone being sent out so I think it's a good start. If we can keep 15 people on the park then we have a chance. We know if we don't keep our discipline we'll be on the back-foot from the start and it's something we've worked really hard on in the past couple of weeks".
Samoa's next opponent is South Africa, who of course were stunned by Japan yesterday in arguably the biggest upset in World Cup history.
Manu Samoa players thank the crowd after beating USA at the Rugby World Cup. Photo: AFP
