Samoa thrive on ‘physicality’

Lille – England face Samoa in the Rugby World Cup today having already guaranteed their lasteight place but remain wary of the Pacific Islanders’ traditional strengths.

The 2003 winners have been clinical so far in victories over Argentina, Japan and Chile but England are well aware of the threat posed by Samoa in their final Pool D game in Lille.

“One thing that Samoans don’t lack is physicality,” England lock Maro Itoje (above) told reporters on Thursday.

“From one to 23 they have guys that want contact, who look for collisions.

“As a team we know that this is front and centre for what they intend to do.”

Before the start of the tournament England had just three wins in nine games after Steve Borthwick took over as coach from the sacked Eddie Jones.

Borthwick echoed defence coach Kevin Sinfield’s thoughts this week, refusing to talk about England’s hopes of winning their quarterfinal, where they are set to face Fiji or Wales in Marseille next weekend.

“I think Samoa are a really strong side. They’re powerful, they have a lot of pace and they play a physical type of rugby.

“What we face is a lot of experience. Some really top quality players,” said Borthwick.

Former England captain Borthwick has made 14 changes from the win over Chile last time out.

Captain Owen Farrell moves to centre outside childhood friend and former school team-mate George Ford at flyhalf for the first time since March 2021.

“Sometimes it’s not verbal communication but a bit of eye contact,” Ford said of his partnership with Farrell.

“I’d love to say that it was a little bit more complicated and there was a special ingredient but there isn’t,” he added.

Outside Farrell will be midfielder Manu Tuilagi, who will be playing against his country of birth for the first time.

“It certainly has a great significance to him and especially to his family,” Borthwick said. “We understand that with the importance of heritage.

“Manu’s also very proud to play for England. There’s no doubt that he will be giving his all this weekend.”

Samoa have never beaten England but few will forget Borthwick’s side’s last outing against a team from the Pacific Islands was a historic first loss to Fiji in August. –