Pumas pip Samoa for plate

by Fiji Times

Argentina won an equally dramatic Plate final with a 15-14 defeat of Samoa in a match which was the classic game of two halves. Samoa, beaten 26-19 by England in the Cup quarter-finals, led 14-0 at the break with tries by Pulemalie Sopo and Alafoti Fa'osiliva and seemed on course for victory.

But Argentina are renowned for their spirit and three quickfire tries all of them unconverted from Alejandro Abadie, record try scorer Santiago Gomez Cora and Agustin Gosio saw them deny Samoa the silverware in Dubai.

Argentina and Samoa will contest the Plate final after ending the challenges of Kenya and Scotland respectively. Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino scored two tries as Argentina ran out 17-14 winners, despite a last gasp try by Kenya's Collins Injera.

Samoa also found the going difficult against Scotland, who took the lead when Colin Gregor collected on the bounce to touch down. Two tries from Reupena Levasa stretched the lead before Scotland fought back to 21-19 only for Alafoti Fa'osiliva to score his second try of the match.