SAMOA ended their disappointing World Cup campaign on a high note as three first-half tries did for the United States in an entertaining Pool A dead-rubber in rainy St Etienne.

THE United States Eagles refused to use their heroics against England as an excuse for their failure to beat Tonga in their World Cup Pool A clash in Montpellier yesterday.

USA captain Dave Hodges, now fully recovered from injury, will lead the Eagles in the World Cup next month Down Under.

Bertie Ahern isn’t a drug pusher, despite accusations to the contrary, and at least he buys a round of drinks.