IRB Video: Highlights of the 7th Place play-off between Argentina U20 and Samoa U20
Both teams endeavoured to move the ball around and play attractive rugby from the outset in dry conditions at Rodney Parade but individual errors prevented either side pulling away decisively.
Argentina opened the scoring when neat hands across the backline put left wing Federico Salazar into the corner, with fly half BenjamÃn Madero adding a fine touchline conversion. Chances were squandered by both sides until Samoa fly half Ioane Sefo narrowed the gap with a penalty before centre Alvin Smith slipped a couple of tackles to score Samoa’s first try.
It looked as though Samoa would go into the break with a 10-7 lead but a high tackle gave Madero the opportunity to level matters and he made no mistake.
Playing into the wind, Samoa started to control possession after the restart as they kept the ball in hand and their big forwards started to appear in the wide channels and make good ground.
Skipper Afa Aiono led the way when he burst through a gap and sprinted clear from halfway for his team’s second score and centre Sanele Vavae Tuilagi extended the lead with another fine solo effort as Argentina started to tire and fall off one or two tackles.
Argentina hung in gamely but Samoa left wing David Masoe’s try finished the game as a contest after Sefo had pounced on an Argentina turnover and second row Maselino Paulino galloped over gleefully to complete the scoring.
Samoa were good value for their victory, with Aiono leading from the front, though midfield pairing Smith and Tuilagi deserved special mention and a try apiece was an appropriate reward.
Samoa Coach Sogi Meleisea commented: “It was a brilliant result for the boys today. I think our captain Afa Aiono and second row Maselino Paulino played very well. We’re pleased to have finished seventh in the tournament but not satisfied as we would like to be ranked higher.”
Samoa Captain Afa Aiono added: “It was a good result and I would like to thank the Argentinians as they gave us a hard game. The wind was very difficult at times and we were glad to be level at half-time. It was an important win for us so that we can stay seventh in the rankings.”
Argentina Assistant Coach Diego Albanese said of his side’s loss: “I think there was a big difference in fitness levels. We were competitive in the first half and maybe we should have scored more tries. Then in the second half we ran out of gas, which was what happened against France. These boys are not used to playing five games at this level.”
Whilst Argentina Captain Belisario Agulla said: “It was a very difficult game. After the first half, we started to tire, although we kept trying as hard as we could. Given the preparation time we had beforehand, it was a good tournament. We played to a good standard but losing the last three matches is a disappointment.”
