Wales take nervous step towards quarter-finals

WALES took a big step towards a quarter-final clash with Ireland after a nervous 17-10 win against Samoa. Shane Williams scored the crucial try in the second-half but the Welsh had to resist a desperate Samoan surge in the dying minutes to record their first win over the Pacific Islanders in three World Cup attempts.

Having lost to Samoa in the 1991 and 1999 tournaments, Wales knew they would have to be ferociously committed to ensure they didn't suffer a similar fate in their pool D encounter in Hamilton, especially after defeat last week to South Africa meant that anything but a win would all but eliminate them from the competition.

Wales started strongly with centre Jamie Roberts and wing George North running hard at the Samoans. But approaching the break all the Welsh had to show for their efforts were two penalties from James Hook.

Samoa's only points came from a Paul Williams penalty, but then on the stroke of half-time the Pacific Islanders scored the game's opening try when prop Anthony Perenise barrelled his way through the Welsh defence.

Williams' conversion made it 10-6 to Samoa at the break and there was more bad news for Wales at the start of the second half when the injured Hook had to be replaced by Leigh Halfpenny.

Both sides began to concede penalties as the game wore on and the tension increased, and Wales fly-half Rhys Priestland slotted his two attempts to edge his side 12-10 in front.

Then on 64 minutes came the decisive moment of the game when Halfpenny fielded a high kick inside his own half. Evading two Samoans, Halfpenny galloped upfield and slipped the ball to Jonathan Davies. Though Davies's return pass was poor, Shane Williams gathered the loose ball and sprinted over for the winning try.

"We knew it was going to be a tough battle," said Wales captain Sam Warburton. "Samoa are immensely physical. We just wanted to keep the ball in play as much as we could and back our fitness levels at the end of the match. Leigh came on and added great momentum and Shane finished it off. If our backs get a sniff then they're pretty handy."

Wales' next game is against Namibia on Monday week, followed five days later with a clash against Fiji. Win both and they should come second in Group D after South Africa and qualify for the last eight.

There, on October 8, they would meet the winners of Pool C – who look like being the Irish after their stunning 15-6 victory over Australia on Saturday. ·