Kicks made all the difference in the ninth place battle between Spain and Samoa as Spain took the match 10-5 in the pouring rain.
Early Spanish pressure set up several mauls deep in Samoan territory. Scrum half Isabel Rodriguez forced her way over the line to dot down near touch. Kicker Ines Etxegibel gave Spain an early lead, 7-0.
Samoa answered back with immediate pressure, running into the Spanish half and passing in contact. Patience through several phases got the ball to dynamic full back Valuese Sao Taliu, who swerved in to score. A missed kick left Spain ahead 7-5.
Both teams applied defensive pressure for the remainder of the half, sailing the ball from sideline to sideline and being met with a flat wall of defence each time. Scrums and penalties to both side walked the ball to the Samoan 22. A Samoan penalty near the posts gave Spain’s Roca a penalty opportunity. Her kick was successful and sent Spain to half time ahead 10-5.
Spain came into the second half eager to put more distance to the score as torrential rain fell at Ellerslie Rugby Park. They maintained possession for most of the half, using their forward pack to set driving mauls up and down the field and punishing Samoa in the set pieces.
Samoa didn’t let up, forcing Spain into touch and sending well-placed clearing kicks into the Spanish half. Samoa then looked to score with quick ball movement and bursting runs through their backline.
The tight Spanish defence was too much for them, however, and they never managed to cross the line despite several near scores. Spain defeated Samoan for the second time in the tournament, maintaining their first half score 10-5, and placing ninth overall.
Quotes
Samoa Coach David White:
“This was obviously a close contest. I think the Spanish scrum was very strong today, and ours disintegrated. It’s hard to get good ball when your set pieces aren’t working efficiently. We didn’t apply enough pressure on the Spanish backs.”
Samoa Captain Ainslie Sauvao:
“All I can say is that I’m extremely proud to have led a team of fine, talented young women who did their best, dug deep and who just gave their all today. Many of us have played our last test match for Samoa and it has been a real honour leading these women of Samoa.
“Today the game was all about making the right decisions at the right time. At times, there were lapses in our decision-making, but we fought to the very end. I take my hat off to our ladies.”
Spain Captain Isabel Rodriguez:
“We are very pleased about our victory. We won three games in a row and finished very well, in ninth place. Our attitude improved in the last three matches. When we came here, we came without a rhythm and we found it after five games.”