Samoa has put one foot in next year’s Rugby World Cup after they thumped Germany 66‑15 in the first leg of their qualifier in Apia yesterday.
Ed Fidow starred with a hat‑trick while Melani Matavao grabbed a brace, with Alapati Leiua, Jack Lam, Joe Tekori, Dwayne Polataivao and a penalty try adding further points to the islanders’ tally. In reply Jaco Otto scored two second‑half tries for Germany in a tough defeat.
The second leg will take place in Germany on July 14, with Samoa now having a 51‑point cushion in their favour as they look to join Japan, Ireland, Scotland and Russia in Pool A at the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
[Source: planet rugby]

