By John Davidson, (RLP RLWC Correspondent) Date: 5/11/13
Papua New Guinea has been knocked out of the World Cup after a shattering defeat at the hands of Samoa.
The Samoans ran out 38-4 winners off the back of a devastating first half that left the Kumuls stunned. Papua New Guinea could not hold on to the ball in the opening period or handle the pumped-up Samoans.
The Kumuls were simply woeful and went into the sheds at half-time 28-0 behind. In one of the most one-sided games at this World Cup so far, it was truly an embarrassing performance from the proud nation of PNG.
Antonio Winterstein scored three tries and Anthony Millford was sensational sparking the Samoans in attack.
The Kumuls will be heading home early unless they can pull off a gigantic upset and beat the Kiwis in their final Group B match. This game in Hull was a sorry end to the tournament for coach Adrian Lam and advisor Mal Meninga.
Samoa got on their scoreboard after just 80 seconds with Suia Matagi in for a soft try. They crossed again on eight minutes, Winterstein getting his first try, and then a fantastic offload six minutes later found Pita Godinet free on the inside for another.
PNG continued to make error after error, giving away silly penalties and falling off simple tackles. Winterstein scored his second try after a scintillating backline move on 24 minutes and Samoa was in complete control. Daniel Vidot was held up over the line after 36 minutes but the Samoans extended their lead to 28-0 a minute later after Ben Roberts took a poorly attempted Jason Chan chip kick to race 60 metres to score.
The Kumuls lifted somewhat in the second stanza and finally got on the scoreboard in the 45th minute with a well-worked try to Jessie Joe Nandye. But the turnaround was short-lived as Samoa was in again in the 59th minute, thanks to a fortunate try to Sauaso Sue.
David Mead was over in the left corner ten minutes later but the try was not given by the video ref because of an obstruction in the lead-up. It typified PNG’s luckless night, which ended on 78 minutes with Winterstein getting his hat-trick after diving on a Roberts grubber.
The North Queensland Cowboy outside back now has four tries for the tournament.
Samoa next face France and are looking likely as opponents for England in the quarter-finals. The Kumuls take on New Zealand and must regroup quickly or face another disastrous beating.
Papua New Guinea 4, Ties: Nandye.
Samoa 38, Tries: Roberts, Winterstein (3), Sue, Godinet, Matagi, Goals: Milford (5).
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