Fidow fires Samoa to bruising win over Russia at Rugby World Cup

Samoa wing Ed Fidow (L) scored two tries against Russia.jpg 

Kumagaya, AFP: Marauding winger Ed Fidow bagged a quickfire double as Samoa beat Russia 34-9 in a bruising Rugby World Cup encounter marked by three yellow cards on Tuesday.

Fidow provided the spark in a tempestuous Pool A clash after the Pacific islanders were reduced to 13 men in the first half for two reckless tackles in steamy Kumagaya. Russia's Kirill Gotovtsev was sin-binned later in the game.

“To lose two players, go down to 13 men and we didn't lose on the score... really proud of the effort,” said Samoa coach Steve Jackson. “We knew we would come out after half-time and the boys were still fresh -- we had plenty left in the tank. I'm just glad we got over the line.” 

Russia coach Lyn Jones bemoaned his team's short, four-day turnaround following their 30-10 defeat by hosts Japan in the tournament-opener last Friday.

“We played a World Cup final for our boys on Friday night, it's more the mental thing that's hurt us,” said the Welshman. “We just weren't there tonight and lacked the motivation compared to what we had against Japan.” 

Samoa, World Cup quarter-finalists in 1991 and 1995, began the game pumped up after a passionate performance of their 'siva tau' war dance.