Springboks take charge at the break

South Africa 31 Samoa 3 HT

South Africa, inspired by fly-half Derick Hougaard, took charge of their make-or-break World Cup clash against Samoa today by cruising into a 31-3 interval lead.

Springboks skipper Corne Krige was involved from the off, racing 30 metres into Samoan territory before a promising attacking move fizzled out.

Samoa though, did not learn their lesson, and barely a minute later they were opened up in similar fashion.

This time, Joost van der Westhuizen broke blind, and there was no escape for Samoa as he handed the scoring pass to supporting flanker Joe van Niekerk. It was a sucker-punch try, and Hougaard’s conversion made it 7-0.

Samoa needed to settle quickly, and fly-half Earl Va’a calmed their nerves with an angled fourth-minute penalty.

But South Africa were soon back on the front-foot, and after their forwards laid back quality ball, Hougaard calmly dropped a 40-metre goal.

It was impressive rugby by the Springboks, as Samoa were unable to impose anything like the early authority they managed against England.

And it got worse for Semo Sititi’s men, as South Africa added their second try on 12 minutes.

Van Niekerk played a decisive role in the build-up, and when possession was worked wide from Hougaard, centre Jorrie Muller crashed over for touchdown that Hougaard converted.

Samoa were in a state of disarray, trailing 17-3, but the Springboks continued prospering from a superb opening, monopolising possession and silencing the sizeable contingent of Samoan supporters.

Hooker Jonathan Meredith led a rare Samoan raid towards South Africa’s 22, yet the Springboks comfortably cleared any danger and remained totally in control approaching 20 minutes.

Wing Lome Fa’atau stretched the South African defence with a run to the corner, but South Africa had enough numbers back, and the Samoans’ frustration continued through their escalating penalty-count.

With 14 minutes of the first-half remaining, Samoa were effectively sunk without trace.

They attempted a bold counter-attack, but possession was spilled and Hougaard hacked on to Samoa’s line.

He got enough downward pressure on the ball for referee White to award the try on video official Joel Dume’s recommendation, and amid boos from a disbelieving crowd, Hougaard slotted the conversion for a convincing 24-3 advantage.

Samoa were fighting a losing battle for World Cup survival, and they had to score next, otherwise it was game, set and match to the Springboks.

Hougaard though, had other ideas, and continued to cause mayhem with his incisive running that spread Samoan defenders all over Suncorp Stadium.

Van Niekerk almost collected his team’s fourth try following a powerful run deep into Samoan territory, but the bonus point was duly collected just before half-time.

Hooker Smit made a clever break, and supporting number eight Juan Smith had a simple unopposed run to the line. Hougaard’s conversion gave him 16 points, and completed a one-sided opening period.