Samoa can emulate 2007 Pumas

Samoan skipper Mahonri Schwalger believes his team are building the foundations for a successful World Cup campaign next year and emulate Argentina's stunning third-placed finish at the 2007 edition.

The hooker was "bitterly disappointed" in the wake of the dramatic 19-16 defeat by Scotland at Pittodrie, in Aberdeen, on Saturday.

However, Schwalger insisted Samoa have done enough on their European tour to underline their status as dark horses for the tournament in New Zealand.

"With a bit of good fortune we could have had two or even three wins on this trip," he said.

"We have shown we can compete with and challenge sides above us in the world rankings and I really think we can pull off similar results to the ones achieved by Argentina in the last World Cup in France."

Scots coach Andy Robinson was quick to sympathise with the Samoans, admitting Christmas had come early for his team after they needed a late penalty to win.

"That was far too close for comfort - in fact we were very lucky to get the win.

"Though I am happy to see us earn the victory, i do feel sorry for Samoa because they played extremely well.

"They were unlucky to lose in the circumstances," admitted the former England coach.

Match-winner Ruaridh Jackson labelled his last-gasp penalty strike "an awesome moment."

Glasgow Warriors star Jackson came off the bench to pull off a salvage act after Samoa threatened to steal the glory.

"I was pretty nervous to say the least when I prepared to take the penalty," he said.

"I just lined it up as usual - connected well and thankfully it just sailed between the posts.

"It was an awesome moment and I am just so pleased I could help Scotland get the win we wanted.

"Now I just want to make sure I play well for Glasgow and hope I can be involved again in the Six Nations campaign."

Scotland had made a rip-roaring start, confidently running a penalty in the danger zone.

The gamble didn't pay off, however only a minute later Dan Parks edged them in front with a crisp strike from a tricky angle.

But the Scots were handed a stinging wake-up call in the 10th minute as Samoa scored a classy try.

Star centre Seilala Mapasua inflicted the initial damage with a charge down the right before wrongfooting the defence with a clever chip.

George Pisi scooped it up and delivered the scoring pass to scrum-half Kahn Fotuali'i.

Paul Williams stepped up to land the awkward conversion - and drum it home to the Scots that they had a real game on their hands.

Their response was quick and clinical.

Winger Nikki Walker sneaked infield to latch on to a Parks feed and touch down under the posts.

Parks added the conversion - only to squander his next penalty chance from 30 metres after the Samoans were guilty of breaking up the scrum early.

He was soon back in the swing of it, landing a penalty from longer range as the visitors committed yet another rucking offence.

The Samoans came back into the picture near half-time as Williams landed a penalty.

Scotland made a hash of receiving the restart kick as Richie Gray and Richie Vernon left the ball to one another.

Tasesa Lavea sent a drop-goal bid wide, but referee Steve Walsh had already signalled a penalty and Williams levelled the scores.

Parks edged the hosts back in front with a trademark dropped goal but within seconds the Samoans squared it again via the boot of Williams.

The Scots were then forced to soak up a long spell of pressure before eventually working their way back into Samoan territory - and then Jackson secured a dream win.

AFP