A late try from captain Isabel Rodriguez saw Spain come from behind to beat Samoa 14-12 and secure their first win of the IRB Women’s Rugby World Cup at Ellerslie Rugby Park in Edmonton.
The ball was turned over just inside the Spanish half and hacked on several times before Rodriguez raced up in support to win the race to touch the ball down, fly half Ines Etxegibel converting to give them the lead for the first time.
Spain had taken control of the game early on, spending long periods in the Samoan 22, but like in previous matches the Samoan defence held firm despite some continued attacks on their line.
Samoa at one stage were down to 13 players – captain Ainslie Sauvao and Luisa Avaiki having been sin-binned – but still Spain were unable to break through to score their opening points of the tournament.
The second half started in the same vein with the action going back and forth, until that is Samoan full back Valuese Sao Taliu raced through the defence to break the deadlock in the 54th minute while Rodriguez was in the sin-bin for Spain.
Bella Milo converted the try to give Samoa a 7-0 advantage, but on the hour mark a great solo try by wing Berta Garcia from inside her own half brought Spain their first points of the tournament and Etxegibel’s conversion made it all square.
Samoa, desperate for a victory with a bonus point to keep alive their slim hopes of a top four spot, pushed forward and claimed a second try through Soa Taliu, who collected her own chip ahead to out pace the Spanish defence.
The conversion was missed and that would prove decisive after Spain’s late try saw them hold on for victory despite Samoa’s attempts to claim another five pointer. The final whistle duly sparked wild celebrations among the Spanish team.
QUOTES
Spain captain Isabel Rodriguez: “We are very happy, first match of the tournament we didn’t play very well, and Canada was a very tough team, but we knew we had to win today and we did it, and we deserve it.”
Samoa captain Ainslie Sauvao: “It was hard to find a controlled match out there with the stops and starts and at the end of the day the better team won and I congratulate Spain, but we now need to move on and put today behind us.