Wales set for likely meeting with Ireland
A 17-10 victory at Waikato Stadium means Wales remain on course for a last-eight clash — probably against Ireland — in Wellington on October 8.
Samoa, though, threatened to inflict a hat-trick of World Cup calamities on Wales following their wins in the 1991 and 1999 tournaments, until wing Shane Williams scored his 55th Test try.
Williams struck 13 minutes from time, finishing off a flowing move started by substitute full-back Leigh Halfpenny, as Wales overcame an alarming 10-6 interval deficit.
If they can see off remaining group opponents Namibia and Fiji, then that should be enough to march on.
But they could yet be left to count the cost as fitness updates are awaited on full-back James Hook (shoulder) and flanker Dan Lydiate (ankle), whose injuries will require scans.
“I thought we showed some great character,” said Gatland.
“A few years ago, or 12 months earlier, we might not have won that game. We will dissect the performance over the next couple of days and see where we can improve.
“In the first half, we tried to play a bit too much rugby, but our whole World Cup was about going out in that second half and digging deep.”
Scorers for Wales: Tries: S. Williams. Pens: Hook 2, Priestland 2.
Scorers for Samoa: Tries: Perenise. Cons: Williams. Pens: Williams.
WALES: Hook, North, J. Davies, Roberts, S. Williams, Priestland, Phillips, James, Bennett, A. Jones, Charteris, A. Jones, Lydiate, Warburton, Faletau.
Replacements: Halfpenny for Hook (42), Jenkins for James (62), Burns for Bennett (62), B. Davies for A. Jones (69), Powell for Lydiate (10). Not Used: Knoyle, S. Williams.
SAMOA: Williams, Tagicakibau, G. Pisi, Mapusua, Tuilagi, T. Pisi, Fotuali’i, Taulafo, Schwalger, Perenise, Leo, Thompson, Treviranus, Fa’asavalu, Stowers.
Replacements: Fuimaono-Sapolu for Mapusua (69), Paulo for Schwalger (72), Johnston for Perenise (69), Tekori for Leo (68).
Referee: A Rolland (Ireland)
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