England (23) 44
Tries: Corry (2), Sackey (2)
Cons: Wilkinson (3)
Pens: Wilkinson (4)
Drops: Wilkinson (2)
Samoa (12) 22
Tries: Polu
Pens: Crichton (5)
Cons: Lemi
England: Lewsey; Sackey, Tait, Barkley, Cueto; Wilkinson, Gomarsall; Sheridan, Chuter, Stevens, Shaw, Kay, Corry (capt), Worsley, Easter.
Replacements: Regan, Freshwater, Borthwick, Moody, Richards, Farrell, Hipkiss.
Samoa: Crichton; Lemi, Mapusua , Lima, A Tuilagi; Fuimaono-Sapolu, Polu; Lealamanua, Schwalger, Johnston, Tekori, Thompson, Leo, Sititi (capt), H Tuilagi.
Replacements: Fuga, Palaamo, Purdie, Vaeluaga, So'oialo, Meafou, Lui.
They are war-like, powerful and definitely a force to be reckoned with, but will all that brawn and muscle Samoa were unable to dominate the English resolve. The boys in white had a huge amount to prove this weekend following the worst performance for a long time against South Africa last week. They did so in style gathering the maximum number of points following a Paul Sackey in the last move of the game making the four needed for a bonus point.
The whole match was far more upbeat than the others so far. Brian Ashton's combination of Wilkinson and Barkley seemed to pay off. Jonny was involved in just about every move on the pitch as usual and managed to collect 24 points taking him past Michael Lynagh's World Cup points record leaving only Gavin Hastings to beat for that all time record. Jonny has 21 points to go......
The England pack were strong and convincing. Matt Stevens and Andrew Sheridan as props works well and George Shuter brought the experience needed to the front row (if only he would get rid of that beard!). Shall we leave Phil on the bench for the Tonga match. What do you think girls? The forum awaits your opinions.
So Samoa are now out of the tournament and have just one more match to play against the USDA next weekend. England however have the mighty Tonga - a real knockout match to raise the blood pressure. South Africa beat England 36-0 but only managed a squeaky 30-25 win over Tonga this weekend. Eeek! Next Friday - 8pm - THE SHOWDOWN.
Meanwhile - let's not get our knickers in a twist. Instead let's just enjoy some gorgeous pictures of the England boys taken this week.
