England v Samoa LIVE: Rugby World Cup result and final score as late Danny Care try prevents upset
England 18-17 Samoa: The Pacific Islanders were minutes away from a first ever win against England but were denied by Care’s late score
Danny Care scored the winning try seven minutes from time to spare England’s blushes and complete a 18-17 victory over superb Samoa in their Rugby World Cup Pool D clash on Saturday.
Two tries from winger Nigel Ah-Wong had Samoa leading deep into the match, but their dreams of a first win over England were ended by poor discipline as they lost centre Tumua Manu to a yellow card and conceded repeated penalties that gave England the territory they needed.
England lost 30-22 to Fiji in a warm-up fixture ahead of the World Cup and may meet them again in the quarter-finals, where they will need an improved performance after a sloppy showing against Samoa where they made numerous handling errors and battled with the high tempo game of the Pacific Islanders.
England had secured top spot in Pool D but advance with a clean sweep of four wins after lock Ollie Chessum scored their opening try on a day when captain Owen Farrell broke Jonny Wilkinson’s points record of 1,178 as he kicked three penalties.
Follow all the action as England face Samoa in their Pool D match plus get all the latest Rugby World Cup odds and tips here:
TRY! England 18-17 Samoa (Care, 73 mins)
73 mins: At long last England have their try as Care nips in under the post from the scrum.
A long, drawn-out saga with various failed scrums but England come away with the points and have the lead as Farrell adds the extra two.
England 11-17 Samoa
71 mins: Lucky from England. Early fails to control the ball at the back of the scrum and Matavao nips in to claim the loose ball.
But the substitute knocks on shortly after and gifts England a scrum again in a promising position.
England 11-17 Samoa
68 mins: Care adds a bit of impetus off the bench as the replacement scrum-half almost squirms over at close range. The play almost breaks down but back they come for a penalty on the five-yard line.
SIN BIN! England 11-17 Samoa
67 mins: A tackle in the air from Manu on Farrell and he’s sent to the sin bin after an accumulation of penalties from Samoa.
Can England capitalise?
England 11-17 Samoa
65 mins: Oh my! What a nightmare for Farrell. He takes too long with his kick and he’s timed out by the shot clock just as he goes to strike the ball.
Very poor from England’s now record points holder and England remain six behind.
England 11-17 Samoa
64 mins: The concern for George came after a high tackle from Alo-Emile. TMO takes a look but it’s just a penalty. England opt for the posts again.
England 11-17 Samoa
63 mins: Chessum makes another surge down the left side but he inadvertently knocks it out of play as he looks to get back to his feet.
Just not going England’s way at the minute.
What’s more, there’s concern now for George who is down receiving treatment.
PENALTY! England 11-17 Samoa (Farrell, ‘58 mins)
Farrell knocks over the points and England have their first points of the half.
England 8-17 Samoa
56 mins: Samoa are saved by TMO once again as Marchant’s try is ruled out for a forward pass in the build-up.
Back they come for an earlier penalty and England will opt for the three points this time.
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