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NORTHAMPTON - Samoa edged English club Northampton 24-21 in a World Cup warm-up match here on Sunday.
In front of a club record turnout for a pre-season game of 8122, the home side scored three penalties through veteran outside-half Barry Everitt in the first-half, while back-rower Darren Fox also scored a try converted by the ex-London Irish player.
Samoa's Worcester full-back Loki Crichton hit back with a penalty and a conversion of an injury-time try from Donald Kerslake to make it 16-10 to Northampton at the break.
Northampton, relegated from the English premier division last season, scored a second try nine minutes after the restart through Will Harries, but Samoa held their nerve and scored two further tries through forwards Jerry Meafou and Lome Faatau in a six-minute blitz.
Samoa have been drawn in tough Pool A of the World Cup alongside England, South Africa, the United States and fellow Pacific Islanders Tonga.
The squad has another work-out against English club opposition when it takes on Sale on Friday.
- AFP
