Samoa edge ahead of Wales

A try on the stroke of half-time by Anthony Perenise gave Samoa a 10-6 half-time lead over Wales in a fiercely contested Pool D clash at Waikato Stadium on Sunday.

Two James Hook penalties had seemed enough to send Wales into the break ahead.
But after a sustained attack the prop crashed over for a try converted by Paul Williams.

Samoa, who had won both previous Rugby World Cup encounters between the nations, always looked likeliest to cross the line as both sides showed an eagerness to run the ball.

In the eighth minute they were unlucky not to get on the scoreboard after number 8 George Stowers knocked on as he tried to touch down following a destructive drive at a five-metre scrum.

Wales coach Warren Gatland's plans suffered an early setback when Andy Powell had to replace flanker Danny Lydiate, who injured his right ankle in tenth minute.

But Wales rallied and almost immediately took the lead when Hook slotted a penalty from in front of the posts after a high tackle on fly half Rhys Priestland.

Samoa responded with a Williams penalty midway through the half.

The Wales scrum began to gain the upper hand and when the Samoans were penalised for collapsing after 26 minutes Hook was again on target to make it 6-3 despite losing his footing as he made his kick.

Samoa felt aggrieved not to get a try after half an hour when Maurie Faasavalu was penalised for a double movement on the Wales line.