18 Jul 2025

Manu Samoa v Scotland: Scotland too strong for Samoa in Auckland

9:36 pm on 18 July 2025
Manu Samoa lost to Argentina 19-10 in their second pool match at the Rugby World Cup.

Manu Samoa lost to Argentina 19-10 in their second pool match at the Rugby World Cup. Photo: Manu Samoa

Scotland have closed out their Pacific tour with a comprehensive victory over Samoa.

The Scots were in an enterprising mood in Auckland, running in seven tries to thoroughly out-class an understrength Samoan side.

It was a healthy spattering of Samoa supporters at Eden Park, with their home ground in Apia undergoing renovations.

Striking after just five minutes, Scotland powered out to a 22-0 lead at halftime with tries to Rory Hutchinson, Kyle Steyn, Arron Reed and Ewan Ashman.

Samoa managed two late consolation tries, but it was all too little too late as Scotland closed out a dominant performance with another copybook rolling maul in the 78th to drive in the final nail.

The result sees Scotland head home with two wins after defeating the Maori All Blacks and a defeat to Fiji.

For Samoa, it was their first hitout since September 2024, and they were also missing a number of frontline players due to NPC commitments.

They meet Fiji next week.

See how the match unfolded below:

Team lists

Manu Samoa: 1. Aki Seiuli, 2. Pita Anae‑Ah Sue, 3. Michael Alaalatoa, 4. Benjamin Petaia Nee‑Nee, 5. Samuel Slade, 6. Theo McFarland (capt), 7. Jonah Mau'u, 8. Taleni Seu, 9. Melani Matavao, 10. Jacob Umaga, 11. Tomasi Alosio, 12. Henry Taefu, 13. Duncan Paia'aua, 14. Tuna Tuitama, 15. Latrell Ah Kiong

Bench: 16. Luteru Tolai, 17. Kaynan Siteine‑Tua, 18. Marco Fepulea'i, 19. Michael Curry, 20. Niko Jones, 21. Iakopo Mapu, 22. Connor Tupai, 23. Rodney Iona

Scotland: 1. Rory Sutherland, 2. Ewan Ashman, 3. Elliot Millar Mills, 4. Gregor Brown, 5. Grant Gilchrist, 6. Andy Onyeama‑Christie, 7. Rory Darge (capt), 8. Matt Fagerson, 9. Jamie Dobie, 10. Fergus Burke, 11. Arron Reed, 12. Stafford McDowall, 13. Rory Hutchinson, 14. Kyle Steyn, 15. Kyle Rowe

Bench: 16. George Turner, 17. Nathan McBeth, 18. Fin Richardson, 19. Cameron Henderson, 20. Marshall Sykes, 21. Ben Muncaster, 22. George Horne, 23. Adam Hastings

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