THE Samoan Rugby League World Cup team captured the hearts of host town Warrington after staging a thrilling fightback against World Champions New Zealand at the Halliwell Jones Stadium last night.
Trailing 36-4 early in the second half Samoa hit back with four unanswered tries to thrill the 14,000 strong crowd.
The Kiwis eventually proved too strong but not before world super star Sonny Boy Williams caused huge amusement when he strolled over the try line only to slip on the dead ball line as he attempted to touch down – with the video ref ruling no try!
But the Kiwis went on to have the last laugh as they stepped up a gear to run out 42-24 victors.
After the game former St Helens half back Sean Long, who is a member of the Samoan coaching set up tweeted: “The Samoan boys would like to thank the support from the Warrington Community.”
Meanwhile Sonny Boy Williams tweeted “Embarrassed to not score but nothing wrong with a little humble pie. Congrats to RL Samoa on their performance.”
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New Zealand: Josh Hoffman ; Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Dean Whare, Bryson Goodwin, Manu Vatuvei; Kieran Foran, Shaun Johnson; Jared Waerea-Hargeaves, Issac Luke, Sam Moa, Frank Pritchard, Sonny Bill Williams, Simon Mannering. Subs: Elijah Taylor, Jesse Bromwich, Sam Kasiano, Frank-Paul Nu’uausala.
Samoa: Anthony Milford (Canberra); Antonio Winterstein (North Queensland), Junior Sa’a (Melbourne), Joseph Leilua (Newcastle), Daniel Vidot (St George); Reni Maitua (Paramatta), Ben Roberts(Paramatta); David Fa’alogo (Newcastle), Pita Godinet (Auckland), Suaia Matagi (NZ Warriors), Iosia Soliola (St Helens), Frank Winterstein (Widnes), Sauaso Sue (Wests). Subs: Penani Manumeasili (Cronulla), Leeson Ah Mau, Mark Taufua, Mose Masoe.
