Samoa too good for Argentina

BUENOS AIRES - Samoa scored three tries to two in a 28-12 rugby victory over Argentina yesterday.

Flyhalf Roger Warren notched up 13 points with two conversions, two penalties and a drop goal. Argentina, with only three of the first-choice players who helped the Pumas beat Scotland and Italy in November, took the game to Samoa from the start.

Number eight Juan Fernandez Lobbe opened the scoring with a try after four minutes, converted by flyhalf Juan Fernandez Miranda.

The more experienced touring side surprised Argentina, however, with strong defence and fast attacks through their pack and soon pulled level with a try by prop Census Johnston, converted by Warren.

Samoa scored another try through captain Semo Sititi before a quarter of an hour had been played when he fielded a high ball and went over. Warren converted and soon added a penalty.

Debutant wing Horacio Agulla's try put Argentina back in the game but a drop goal and another penalty by Warren gave Samoa a commanding 23-12 lead at the interval.

The only score of the second half was a try by Samoan wing Silosi Tagicakibau.

"They are strong and ran well, they are more experienced and everything got complicated in the second half," said Fernandez Lobbe of the home side's efforts to turn the match around.

Argentina are renowned scrummagers but the Samoans took full advantage of their extra 30kg overall in weight, especially in the second half.

"In the first half we were able to control the scrum but afterwards we had problems with our concentration," Fernandez Lobbe said.

It was Samoa's third victory in four meetings with Argentina.

Samoa won their matches at the 1991 and 1995 World Cups and the Pumas beat Samoa in the 1999 tournament.

- REUTERS