It’s do-or-die for Samoa and Scotland at Barlow

football we know we can play. We’ve put the games behind us in the past and focus on Scotland now and play the exciting footy with the roster we have, we have the ability to do and just provide that (today).”

Samoa has identified Scotland’s back three, including Lewis Tierney at fullback, as a threat to an easily-tired forward pack if they fail to respect the ball once again.

But Bravehearts coach Steve McCormack doesn’t care what Samoa does. They’re a star-studded team but being total underdogs is not a foreign concept.

“We need to play to our strengths. We’ve had a look at a few things on the video but the main thing is to make sure the best of us turns up,” he said.

McCormack said 40 minutes of good football against Tonga had to give his side some inspiration after a character-building fortnight.

“I think we’ve learnt now there’s no second chances for us,” he said.

“It’s do-or-die now. We’ve been in this situation before and we’ve done really well, and I’d like to think some of our younger players in the side step up again.

“We’ve had a lot more intensity to our sessions this week and I think that will stand us in good stead.”

The World Cup contest at Barlow Park will be preceded by the Deadly Roos v Rugby League Samoa Queensland, starting at 1.15pm.