Rugby Shorts
Western Samoa was given little chance of making an impression at their inaugural Rugby World Cup in 1991 but shocked Wales and the world with their 16-13 win at Cardiff Arms Park on this day in rugby history.
The win may not be as impressive with hindsight and looking back at the talent on the Western Samoa side such as Apollo Perelini, Frank Bunce, Brian Lima and Pat Lam on the squad. But considering the team was selected from players only from the western country of Manu Samoa of the island chain in a country of 2,000 people it was a shock.
The joke following the match was, "Thank heavens Wales weren't playing the whole of Samoa."
Western Samoa used hard tackling to push back the Wales attack and their own creative attack to find holes in the Wales defense. To'o Vaega and Sila Vaifale scored tries for Western Samoa. Mathew Vaea kicked one conversion and two penalties.
--- Western Samoa now play as Samoa and the World Rugby Shop has official rugby gear of the Pacific Island country. Get in the Gear! ---
Wales was the third place finisher at the previous Rugby World Cup in 1987 and were expecting another march in the knock-out round but this group match ended up knocking them out.
Western Samoa advanced as Pool 3’s second place finisher but were outmatched by Scotland in the quarterfinals.
Western Samoa: Andrew Aiolupo, Timo Tagaloa, To'o Vaega, Frank Bunce, Brian Lima, Stephen Bachop, Mathew Vaea; Vili Alalatoa, Stan To'omalatai, Peter Fatialofa, Mark Birtwistle, Mat Keenan, Apollo Perelini, Sila Vaifale, Pat Lam
Wales: Tony Clement, Arthur Jones, Scott Gibbs, Mike Hall, Ieuan Evans, Mark Ring, Robert Jones; Laurance Delaney, Ken Waters, Mike Griffiths, Phil Kay, Kevin Moseley, Richie Collins, Emyr Lewis, Phil Davies
