THE BREAKDOWN | WORLD CUP BRIEFS
SAMOA STILL IN THE HUNT
TUSI PISI helped Samoa keep alive their quarter-final hopes as they overcame Fiji 27-7 at Eden Park. Samoa must beat South Africa in their final pool match – or hope Fiji can do them a favourite against Wales – if they are to reach the last eight. Pisi landed four penalties and a drop-goal to put Samoa into a comfortable 15-0 lead before late tries from Kahn Fotuali’i and George Stowers made the game safe. Paul Williams also landed a late penalty.
LIEVREMONT STILL UPBEAT
FRANCE coach Marc Lievremont admitted he was relieved Les Bleus did not “disintegrate” in their defeat by New Zealand. The French lost 37-17 at Eden Park on Saturday as the All Blacks conquered their so-called Rugby World Cup nemesis. Asked whether he had feared “a hammering” at the hands of the host nation, Lievremont said: “Yes, I did consider that the players would crack at some stage. Especially when the second half started with that quick try.”
INJURY CONCERN FOR DEANS
AUSTRALIA coach Robbie Deans has confirmed that Robert Horne, who fractured a cheekbone against USA, and No8 Wycliff Palu, who has a hamstring injury, will undergo scans today. Utility back Pat McCabe, who has a dislocated shoulder, is likely to be available for the quarter-finals, while David Pocock, who missed the Ireland defeat, is in contention to return against Russia on Saturday.
LOMU RUSHED TO HOSPITAL
ALL BLACK legend Jonah Lomu was yesterday admitted to Auckland Hospital but is reported to be in a stable condition. The 63-Test former New Zealand wing, who was the special guest at the World Cup opening ceremony, underwent a kidney transplant in 2004. Lomu’s wife Nadene said: “My husband is stable and until we know exactly what’s wrong, we are not prepared to comment.”