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Samoa limp into World Cup with narrow win over Germany
By Online Editors
Samoa have qualified for the Rugby World Cup after leaving it late to beat Germany 28 - 42 in the second leg of their World Cup qualifier in Fritz-Grunebaum-Sportpark in Heidelberg this afternoon.
Germany lead for the much of the match before three late tries from Samoa put a gloss on what was a hard-fought win for the Pacific Island nation.
Samoa took a 51-point advantage into the game after an impressive 66-15 winners in Apia a fortnight ago and will join Ireland, Japan, Scotland and Russia in Pool A.
While Germany’s chances looked slim, they were the better team for much of the match, despite being ranked 12 places below Samoa in the World Rankings.
Germany now head to November’s Repechage tournament in Marseille - against Canada, Hong Kong and the Africa Gold Cup 2018 runner-up - for a place in Pool B next September.
While Samoa have qualified, the nature of the win is unlikely to leave a side that are struggling for form with much confidence ahead of next year's tournament.
Congratulating Samoa on his twitter account, World Rugby Chairman Bill Beaumont said: "Congratulations to Samoa on Rugby World Cup 2019 qualification and a place in Pool A. Germany will be encouraged by a strong performance as they look ahead to November's Repechage."
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I think the reality is that 2025 is the year that the Oz Super sides need to strike because, after 2025, I think you can expect to see some of the better players like Topou depart Oz rugby for the North.
Suddenly, in certain positions, teams like the Reds and Tahs have real quality depth. Given RA's inability to effectively match off-shore salaries (I understand they have already told Topou that they can't match his existing contract), we will see a fair few players depart for Japan, France, etc post Lions.
Go to commentsplaying in the wrong Premiership mate...
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