Samoa Rugby World Cup betting preview

Samoa are assessed as 1000-1 outsiders in betting to win the Rugby World Cup in Japan, while they are around $251 to win the Pool A.

Manu Samoa are ranked 16 heading into RWC’19 and have drawn a tricky group alongside Ireland, Scotland, host nation Japan and Russia.

But while it’s tricky, a couple of those teams are eminently beatable for a solid Samoa outfit that has claimed plenty of big scalps over the years.

Their lone win against Scotland came in 2013, while their memorable 40-25 over Ireland came at Lansdowne Road in 1996.

They also boast a winning record against Japan, although more recently Japan have had their measure.

All this is to say, write off the Samoans at your peril. They are more than capable of stepping up against any of this opposition, although we expect them to walk away with just one win from this World Cup, against Russia in their opening match.

They are probably a team we will avoid betting against in the group matches as they are packed with powerhouse players and if they can get some momentum going can be so difficult to stop.

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Where Samoa will finish in the 2019 Rugby World Cup

WGL prediction: Eliminated in group stage. As mentioned we think they will be super competitive in the group matches but it’s a big ask to get past Scotland, Ireland and a buoyant Japan with enormous crowd support.

Previous best World Cup result: Quarter-finals 1991, 1995, 1999

Samoa’s Rugby World Cup draw

Match 9: Russia v Samoa, Tuesday, Sep 24, Pool A, Kumagaya Rugby Stadium
Match 18: Scotland v Samoa, Monday, Sep 30, Pool A, Kobe Misaki Stadium
Match 26: Japan v Samoa, Saturday, Oct 5, Pool A, City of Toyota Stadium
Match 36: Ireland v Samoa, Saturday, Oct 12, Pool A, Fukuoka Hakatanomori Stadium

Samoa’s most recent results

July 27: Samoa 25 d Tonga 17, Pacific Nations Cup, Apia
August 3: USA 13 d Samoa 10, Pacific Nations Cup, Suva
August 10: Fiji 10 d Samoa 3, Pacific Nations Cup, Suva
August 31: Samoa 36 d New Zealand Heartland XV 19, Eden Park, Auckland
September 7: Australia 34 d Samoa 15, Western Sydney Stadium, Parramatta

Samoa’s record against Pool A rivals

Ireland: Played 6: won 1, lost 5. Points for: 103, Points against: 209
Scotland: Played 11: won 1, lost 9, drawn 1. Points for: 193, Points against: 298
Japan: Played 15: won 11, lost 4. Points for: 482, Points against: 273
Russia: Played : 0

Samoa squad for the 2019 Rugby World Cup

Coach: Steve Jackson

Forwards: Afaesetiti Amosa, TJ Ioane, Jack Lam (captain), Piula Fa’asalele, Josh Tyrell, Chris Vui, Teofilo Paulo, Kane Leaupepe, Senio Toleafoa, Michael Alaalatoa, Paul Alo-Emile, James Lay, Jordan Lay, Logovi’i Mulipola, Motu Matu’u, Ray Niuia, Seilala Lam.

Backs: Ed Fidow, Tim Nanai-Williams, Ahsee Tuala, Belgium Tuatagaloa, Henry Taefu, Alapati Leiua, Reynold Lee-Lo, Kieron Fonotia, AJ Atatimu, Tusi Pisi, Ulupano Seuteni, Dwayne Polotaivao, Melani Matavao, Scott Malolua.

Leading try-scorer prediction for Samoa

Alapati Leiua: The experienced outside-back plies his trade for Bristol Bears in England these days and has scored tries regularly wherever he has played, including for the Hurricanes in Super Rugby. Samoa have not been racking up big scores of late but Leiua is always thereabouts when they do score.

Manu Samoa predictions – Pacific Island power?

The Samoans are always an exciting team to watch as they have a line-up packed with giants who also boast extraordinary speed. They may lack the disciplined approaches of Ireland and Scotland, but they are certain to be among the most entertaining sides to watch.

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