Samoa stun sad Wales

Wales 19 Samoa 26

Humiliation awaits against the All Blacks unless Wales – World Cup semi-finalists only 13 months ago – can summon up a monumental recovery following successive home losses against Argentina and Samoa.

The Six Nations title holders saw Samoa score tries through full-back Fa’atoina Autagavaia, centre George Pisi and substitute Jonny Leota, while Pisi’s brother Tisi kicked 11 points in a game when the lead changed hands six times.

Leigh Halfpenny booted four penalties and a conversion of centre Ashley Beck’s 80-metre interception try, but Wales have now suffered five successive defeats and appear clueless in many areas.

Their demise is alarming, and although head coach Warren Gatland will return to mastermind next week’s preparations after being away on British and Irish Lions preparatory business, Wales seemingly have little hope of troubling either New Zealand or Australia seven days later.

They also suffered two more injuries, to hooker Richard Hibbard and fly-half Dan Biggar.

Samoa, though, proved good value for their win.

Wales scorers: Tries: Beck. Cons: Halfpenny. Pens: Halfpenny 4.

WALES: Halfpenny, Cuthbert, Beck, Roberts, North, Biggar, Phillips, James, Hibbard, Jarvis, B. Davies, Evans, R. Jones, Tipuric, Faletau.

Replacements: Priestland for Biggar (38), Jenkins for James (61), Owens for Hibbard (18), Andrews for Jarvis (78), Charteris for Evans (41), Warburton for R. Jones (71).

Samoa scorers: Tries: Autagavaia, G. Pisi, Leota. Cons: T. Pisi. Pens: T. Pisi 3.

SAMOA: Autagavaia, Perez, G. Pisi, Williams, Lemi, T. Pisi, Fotuali’i, Taulafo, Avei, C. Johnston, Leo, F. Paulo, Treviranus, Fa’asavalu, Tuifua.

Replacements: Leota for Williams (56), Sua for T. Pisi (78), T. Paulo for Avei (58), J. Johnston for C. Johnston (49), Tekori for F. Paulo (60), Fomai for Treviranus (70).

Referee: Pascal Gauzere (France).