Scotland survive huge Samoa scare to make Rugby World Cup quarter-finals

Updated 10/10/2015 at 16:31 GMT

World Cup, Pool B, St James’ Park – Scotland 36 (Tries: Seymour, Hardie, Laidlaw Cons: Laidlaw 3 Pens: Laidlaw 5) Samoa 33 (Tries: T Pisi, Leiataua, Lee-Lo, Motu Matu'u Con: T Pisi, Faapale Pens: T Pisi 3)

Scotland's wing Tommy Seymour celebrates after winning a Pool B match of the 2015 Rugby World Cup between Scotland and Samoa at St James' Park in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, northeast England, on October 10, 2015

Image credit: AFP

Scotland survived an almighty scare to advance to the quarter finals after a edging Samoa 36-33 in a World Cup classic.

A frantic first half full of free-flowing rugby and defensive lapses to match saw five tries, three from Samoa, as the south sea islanders went into the break 26-23 ahead.

The metronomic boot of Greig Laidlaw nudged Scotland ahead for the first time early in the second half and when the scrum half stretched over, Scotland looked to have the game won.

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But a late try from Motu Matu'u threatened more drama before Scotland held out for a memorable win.

The result means that Scotland will face either Australia or Wales in the quarter-final.

Samoa's Sakaria Taulafo (C) scores a try which is later disallowed

Image credit: Reuters

TALKING POINT

So much to talk about but Scotland will have to play a lot better than that against either Wales or Australia or they will be going home. But for a woeful Samoa penalty count, they would have lost.

MATCH IN A TWEET

KEY MOMENTS

[MATCHCAST: Full scoring summary and live commentary]

10’ – Scotland 3-10 Samoa - TRY: The ball goes wide through Samoa hands and Pisi is over in the corner. He converts his own try.

12’ – Scotland 10-10 Samoa - TRY: An instant response as Tommy Seymour pounces on a loose pass as Samoa go from deep. Laidlaw converts.

Tommy Seymour scores the first try for Scotland

Image credit: Reuters

13’ – Scotland 10-15 Samoa - TRY: Breathless stuff as Samoa go straight up the pitch and Leiataua dives over

20’ – Scotland 13-20 Samoa - TRY: They’re at it again as Lee-Lo is over this time.

32’ – Scotland 23-23 Samoa - TRY: John Hardie goes over from the driving maul to level matters.

74’ – Scotland 36-26 Samoa - TRY: Greig Laidlaw jinks and stretches out for the line and Scotland are within touching distance of the quarters. He converts his own try.

78’ – Scotland 36-33 Samoa - TRY: late drama as Motu Matu'u adds a bonus point try for Samoa.