Corry: English expecting early battles
Both teams are on the rebound from their worst performances in World Cup history – facts readily acknowledged by rival coaches Brian Ashton and Michael Jones.
If Samoa lose at the Stade de la Beaujoire, they will crash out of World Cup contention, with England then heading towards a pool stage eliminator against Tonga on Friday.
Should England suffer another embarrassing defeat though, Samoa could send them home ludicrously early by claiming a bonus point triumph over the United States in five days’ time.
No reigning Rugby World champion has failed to reach the tournament knockout stage, but England have shown nothing so far to suggest that humiliating fate won’t befall them.
Skipper Corry said: “We haven’t needed extra motivation.
“There is a determination to put things right. We are playing well below our best.
“You just have to look at what is riding on this game for both sides.
“You look at the way Samoa played in the first 50 minutes against South Africa. The first 10 minutes of every Test match is very physical, and this, I imagine, will be even more direct and physical.”
Samoa are still reeling from a dismal display in losing 19-15 to Tonga, although its level of incompetence hardly challenged England’s 36-0 surrender to South Africa — their record World Cup defeat — two days earlier.
Corry added: “It is one thing being associated with one performance like that — you don’t want to make it two. We have been very critical of ourselves. Everyone in this camp, whether you are playing, on the bench, not involved, coaching or doing the kit, wants to be associated with a successful World Cup campaign.”
Those hopes now hinge on beating a nation even England’s World Cup winners struggled to despatch in Melbourne four years ago.
And with Samoa recalling fit-again Brian “The Chiropractor” Lima in midfield, a reshaped England side know exactly what is coming.
Lima is among six Guinness Premiership players in the Samoan back division, while two English-based performers — Saracens prop Census Johnston and Wasps flanker Daniel Leo — feature up-front.
Ashton said: “Adrenaline is a very positive thing to take into a game because it means you are fired up and ready to play. Anxiety is the negative side of adrenaline, and you try and put that on one side and focus on what the processes are going to be when we get on the field. A win is an absolute must, but a better performance is an absolute must as well.”
Ashton has made sweeping changes behind the scrum, where Jonny Wilkinson and Olly Barkley will look to control matters from fly-half and inside centre — while also keeping an eye on the threatening Lima. Mark Cueto, one of the most prolific try-scoring wings in world rugby, returns to his best position following a troubled stint at full-back, and the gifted Mathew Tait’s midfield presence suggests England might at last possess a cutting edge in attack.
And Wilkinson’s return — surprisingly early, given he suffered an ankle ligament injury less than three weeks ago — for his first World Cup appearance since the 2003 final, could prove decisive.
As Corry acknowledged: “Everyone knows what Jonny is like as a player, but he is also a calm and level-headed communicator. He knows what he wants, and he will get it across very succinctly. I think that is important when you are in the heat of the game.”
Brian Lima believes Samoa probably helped England on their way to World Cup glory four years ago.
The 35-year-old will line up in Saturday’s crunch Pool A clash against England, with memories still fresh of an absorbing group game between the countries in 2003.
England eventually triumphed 35-22.
Lima said: “I believe that game was a wake-up call for England, and it helped them during that tournament.”
ENGLAND: Lewsey; Sackey, Tait, Barkley, Cueto; Wilkinson, Gomarsall; Sheridan, Chuter, Stevens, Shaw, Kay, Corry (capt), Worsley, Easter.
Replacements: Regan, Freshwater, Borthwick, Moody, Richards, Farrell, Hipkiss.
SAMOA: Crichton; Lemi, Mapusua, Lima, A Tuilagi; Fuimaono-Sapolu, Polu; Lealamanua, Schwalger, Johnston, Tekori, Thompson, Leo, Sititi (capt), H Tuilagi.
Replacements: Fuga, Palaamo, Purdie, Vaeluaga, So’oialo, Meafou, Lui.
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