Rugby World Cup: Samoa v Scotland

1. Result: Samoa 33-36 Scotland
2. Scotland qualify for quarter-finals, will face Australia or Wales
3. Laidlaw scores 26 points as Scotland come from behind
4. Five tries in a frenetic first half at St James' Park
5. Use audio icon to listen to Radio 5 live coverage or live coverage tab for BBC Radio Scotland commentary

Hello, goodbye

While we say goodbye, Scotland are saying hello to the quarter-finals. A whole nation will be celebrating their team's first World Cup quarter-final since 2007 later. But first, Scottish eyes are fixed on another match going on at Twickenham...

Cast your eye over this page to find out if Australia or Wales will play the Scots in the last eight. See you later!

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Player reaction

Scotland flanker John Hardie, who was named man of the match, has managed to drag himself away from the buffet to describe those nerve-jangling final few minutes.

"It was pretty surreal. That's why we play rugby, for the pressure," he said.

"Par-taaaay!"

Scotland's players, I presume, will leave the boozy celebrations to their fans tonight. But it looks like they are enjoying a dressing-room knees up in Newcastle. I'm sure I can spot a plate full of savoury treats there... 

'Little big man'

Gavin Hastings

Former Scotland full-back on BBC Radio 5 live

If ever there was a player in the Scotland team who deserves to score a match-winning try then it's the smallest player in the team. Greig Laidlaw stretched out his tiny frame and it was enough to help give Scotland that vital cushion."

Scotland 36-33 Samoa

These two teams were like a lovestruck teenage couple - they could not be separated. Possession, territory, points...there was barely a cigarette paper between the pair. Fine margins.

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Lee Ashun: Great advert for rugby that - Scotland v Samoa.

Andrew Priestley: I feel for Samoa and Japan, but well done to Scotland. They'll have to pull up their socks up before playing Wales or Australia!

Stats of the day

• This was the second highest scoring game at this year’s World Cup after New Zealand v Namibia (58-14)
• Greig Laidlaw scored 26 points in this game, his best ever points haul in a single Test for Scotland
• Samoa had not scored more than two tries in any of their previous six Rugby World Cup matches
• In the nine previous Tests between the two nations there had never been more than five tries in a single game

Scotland 36-33 Samoa

Scotland 36-33 Samoa

Sunday Times rugby correspondent Stephen Jones loved the spectacle...

Pool B table

BBC Sport

Sad to see Japan depart, but they will return to a heros' welcome back home.

Time to find out who will gets Wales and who gets Australia.

The Pool A decider is about to get going over the way, while we bring you a little more reaction on Scotland's progress.

Scotland 36-33 Samoa

BBC chief football writer Phil McNulty is spot on. Sorry, Newcastle fans.

Scotland 36-33 Samoa

Johnny Vegas is a big St Helens rugby league fan but he's enthralled by union today. And doing his bit for the Union as well by putting aside petty cross-border rivalries.

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Steven Hunter: Scotland don't let me go through that again.

Charlie Thomas: Beer in fridge. Nerves in shreds.

Allan L Mann: In the car. In the US. Text updates couldn't come fast enough from #bbcrugby on the #SCOvSAM game. I can breathe again.   

Reuters

Scotland 36-33 Samoa

Former Scotland scrum-half Rory Lawson is, understandably, a happy man...

Scotland 36-33 Samoa

BBC Sport

Scotland's players press the flesh with their Samoan counterparts, but they will need to defend a lot better if they are to get further than the quarter-finals.

Either Wales or Australia would make mincemeat of a performance like that. The Scots' defensive line was as jagged as a Tour de France stage profile.

As promised, a thrilled JK Rowling clears up a Harry Potter mystery...

She is just making this stuff up isn't she? What a fraud this fiction lark is.

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Robin Barfield: Massive sigh of relief! Well done, boys.

Evan Samuel: I do believe Scotland will take that. Unlucky Japan; fantastic by Samoa. Great advert for rugby.

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Scotland 36-33 Samoa

Well, no danger of Scotland being undercooked for their quarter-final against either Wales or Australia. 

They were pushed all the way by a Samoa side who were missing in action for the first three matches of this campaign.

This group was a missed opportunity for the Pacific Islanders.

'Extraordinary game'

Gavin Hastings

Former Scotland full-back on BBC Radio 5 live

Well played Scotland. That was an absolutely extraordinary game of rugby. There's pure joy among Scottish supporters. Samoa can go home with their heads held high."

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Iain Luxford:#SAMvSCO clearly the game of the tournament so far. Breathtaking.

Full-time

Scotland are into the World Cup quarter-finals. But that was not easy.

PA

Scotland 36-33 Samoa

Finn Russell thumps the restart long, bagging Scotland some field position and giving Samoa the length of the pitch to make it back.

'Still in it'

Gavin Hastings

Former Scotland full-back on BBC Radio 5 live

You have to hand it to Samoa. There is still time for them."

Converted try

Replacement Motu Matu'u crashes over from close range.

Patrick Fa'apale thumps over the conversion and we have a three-point ball game.

If Scotland fail to win and Japan beat the US on Sunday, they are out.  

Scotland 36-26 Samoa

Scotland give away two penalties in quick succession, flirting with the penalty try. Samoa tap and go again...

Scotland 36-26 Samoa

Samoa up to within a metre. Scotland defence dented but unbroken.

Scotland 36-26 Samoa

Scotland fail to deal with the kick-off. Sean Maitland is forced to dot down over his own line and Samoa have a scrum five metres from the Scotland line.

This might not be over just yet.

Four minutes to go.

AP

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The Harlequins scrum-half is enthralled but that heroic defence has now been breached...

Converted try

Rex Features

Is that the last-eight on a plate?

I think so.

Greig Laidlaw snipes around the fringes of the scrum, darting over with his Samoan opposite number swung out of position by the wheeled scrum.

He then adds the extras.

Princess Anne is grinning.

Reuters

No try

Scotland supporters slump back into their seats with shaken heads.

Their side will restart play with a penalty after a Samoan was offside before Nel went over.

Do they kick for a six-point lead? Nope, scrum-down and hunt for the knock-out punch...

Try review

WP Nel shunts over from short range, but has Kahn Fotuali'i got something underneath to keep the ball from terra firma?   

Scotland 29-26 Samoa

Wide they go. Spilled! But backwards! And regained by Fraser Brown!

Scotland still in sniffing range.

Reuters

Scotland 29-26 Samoa

Scotland up to within a metre...

Scotland 29-26 Samoa

Scotland have slowly got themselves back in this game....

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Scotland 29-26 Samoa

Samoa concede their 11th penalty of the second half as they come around the wrong side of the rolling maul.

Referee Jaco Peyper's patience is wearing thin.

Scotland go for the knock-out blow, punting into the corner and hoping perhaps for a penalty try in the next phase,

Replacement

Stuart Hogg, who has been suffering from cramp, is off. Sean Lamont on in his place.

Scotland with a line-out on the Samoa 22m.

'Scotland need more points'

Gavin Hastings

Former Scotland full-back on BBC Radio 5 live

While Scotland are enjoying a three point advantage, I can't help but think about the Scotland national football team the other night. Scotland have got to get more points on the board."

Scotland 29-26 Samoa

This game is teetering on the tight-rope.

Both teams are running the ball with purpose, both defences are as sturdy as a soggy paper bag and play is switching from end to end with dizzying frequency.

Breathless stuff.

'Bruising'

Gavin Hastings

Former Scotland full-back on BBC Radio 5 live

Scotland are getting involved in a physical battle. David Denton, the Gray brothers...they're all wanting to impose themselves. The fact is they are up against very big Pacific Islanders and they love nothing more than putting their bodies on the line. There's going to be some bruised bodies after this."

Rex Features

Scotland 29-26 Samoa

Good work from Tommy Seymour, who wins the ball back after a team-mate is stripped of possession out wide.

Box-kick from Greig Laidlaw, but no chase. David Denton gets his mits on Tim Nanai-Williams eventually. And bundles him into touch.

Midfield skirmishes, but Samoa have dangerous runners to make this a very nervy situation as the clock ticks down.

As the penalty count continues to rise, the Daily Telegraph rugby correspondent Mick Cleary feels that Samoa are getting the rough end of referee Jaco Peyper's decisions.

Scotland 29-26 Samoa

Samoa's penalty count is up to 16, they have lost the lead but are lucky not be further behind, thanks to the misfiring Greg Laidlaw.

The Scot has scored five from seven penalties, but missed his last two kicks, shown in red below.

How crucial will those misses prove to be?

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Scotland 29-26 Samoa

Ugly from the Scotland backline. A called move does not translate off the playbook pages as Finn Russell bullets a pass at Stuart Hogg's head from close range.

Hoog, who has George Pisi breathing down on him, knocks on.

Tim Swinson has come on for Jonny Gray in the Scotland engine room by the way.

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Evan Samuel: Samoa's next replacement looks like he should come with fire escapes. I've seen smaller houses.

Alexander Robertson: Three-point lead isn't enough. We need a try and fast or it's going to end in tears.

Missed penalty

Samoa replacement Anthony Perenise announces himself by giving away a penalty with a "neck-roll" clearout on John Hardie.

That is a cheap-shot. Greig Laidlaw misplaces his own shot at goal though.

The kill zone, the pointy end, squeaky-bum time, whatever you want to call it, we are getting to it.

A little over 15 to play.

Replacement

A trio of changes for Samoa as Viliamu Afatia, Anthony Perenise and Vavae Tuilagi come on to inject some fresh legs.

Laidlaw landmark

Scotland 29-26 Samoa

Jack Lam, cousin of the great Pat Lam, is peskier than a Highland midge at the breakdown.

He limpets over the top of the tackled David Denton and the Scottish heavy brigade are too slow getting there. 

Samoa, who have been stumbling since the break, have a toehold in the half.

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Steven Hunter: Other teams seem to get better as the tournament goes on...not Scotland.

Robert Stables: Cheering Scotland from the middle of the Caspian Sea.

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Samoa's ill-discipline

Samoa's penalty count is creeping up in this second-half and has cost them the lead.

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Missed penalty

Samoa's discipline is fraying. Another penalty given away. It is on halfway, but Greig Laidlaw's boot is hot.

Not hot enough though.

The Scotland captain gives it a clout but the extra effort sends the ball off line and wide.

Replacement

Josh Strauss comes on for Ryan Wilson in the back row. His side could do with some big beardie ball carriers.

Penalty

Ryan Wilson barrelling through the middle, a Samoan defender off their feet at the breakdown and another Scotland penalty.

Greig Laidlaw drills over his seventh kick from seven attempts and Scotland lead for the first time.

Plenty more sting left in the tailend of this one though.

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Penalty

The crowd love that decision. This is all about the big W.

Laidlaw strokes over the kick to justify his pick and level the scoreboard.

Scotland 23-26 Samoa

Scotland with another penalty just outside the Samoa 22m.

Sakaria Taulafo on the loose-head side of the front row was boring in.  

Kick for position or points?

After being burned earlier in this half, Laidlaw points to the posts.

Lee-Lo's attacking threat

Samoa centre Reynold Lee-Lo is having a stormer and is his side's most dangerous player on the attack.

He has run a game-high 120m, had eight carries, beaten six defenders and had five clean breaks.

In comparison Scotland's top attacker, winger Sean Maitland, has run just 27m.

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Scotland 23-26 Samoa

Forty-eight minutes gone and we have just had the third scrum of the match.

I haven't missed the shove-and-reset-fest to be honest.

'Strange game'

Gavin Hastings

Former Scotland full-back on BBC Radio 5 live

This is a strange game. Scotland are caught between two minds...they are not quite sure what kind of game they should be playing. There is a long way to go and you just sense Scotland just need to get a try and inch ahead. Once they are ahead I feel they will stay ahead. I'm not at all worried."

Scotland 23-26 Samoa

Oh glorious! 

Samoa run from deep. Maurie Fa'asavalu slips an off-load out of the side-door. Superb smuggling. It finds the hands of Reynold Lee-Lo. He motors upfield, but his own pass is a dud as he attempts to put his winger away and instead pops the ball straight to the pursuing Tommy Seymour.

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'Desperate'

Gavin Hastings

Former Scotland full-back on BBC Radio 5 live

I would love to have been a fly on the wall in the Scotland dressing room at half-time. The Scotland crowd are absolutely desperate to see their team go in front for the first time."

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Scotland 23-26 Samoa

Samoa flanker Maurie Fa'asavalu wraps a boa-constrictor arm around the neck of Sean Maitland in the tackle and Scotland have a penalty.

They go for the corner again. Cheers in St James' Park for the positive approach.

Groans though as Scotland get in front of each other off the line-out and Samoa get their own penalty.

Scotland 23-26 Samoa

Obstruction in midfield from Samoa centre George Pisi.

The penalty might have just been inside Greig Laidlaw's range, but instead Finn Russell punts down into the Samoa 22m.

One push-over try already today from the Scots, can they get another?

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Dov Tate: As a Wales fan watching #SAMvSCO this has all the hallmarks of Nantes in 2007. Need to stop playing Samoa at their own game

Kick-off

Scotland are straight onto the front foot, Matt Scott doing well to retain possession on the Samoa 22m line through a shuddering hit from Jack Lam.

But they come off their feet at the breakdown and allow the Pacific Islanders to relieve the pressure with a nudge back up to halfway.

Rex

Scotland 23-26 Samoa

It is worth flagging up that if Scotland score four tries and lose by seven points or less then Japan would have to secure a bonus-point win over the United States on Sunday to overtake them and seize a last-eight spot.

Let's see. Second half is locked, loaded and ready to go.

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Scotland in need of some magic...

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Paul Baldwin: My attempt at supporting Scotland has failed. Samoa are just too exciting so it has to be #ComeOnSamoa

Stephen Murray: If I wasn't a Scottish fan, best half of rugby so far this World Cup, two teams just wanting to play and score tries!

Adam Shaw: The Samoans are bossing the breakdown. Scotland won't have a platform to let the backs attack unless they sort it out.  

Richard Williams

BBC Sport at Twickenham

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"A huge roar goes up from the crowd in front of the big screen here at Twickenham as Samoa score their third try against Scotland.

"Not sure of it's the Welsh or Aussie fans, but somebody wants the Pacific Islanders to win today.

"Perhaps they prefer the prospect of today's winners here facing Japan in the quarter final, rather than the Scots."

Points make prizes...

'Strong words from Cotter needed'

Gavin Hastings

Former Scotland full-back on BBC Radio 5 live

Scotland are a wee bit shell-shocked not quite expecting this sort of onslaught. Vern Cotter, I have absolutely no doubt, will have some strong words for his charges at half-time. It has all been Samoa, they are fully deserving of their lead."

BBC Sport

What a half of rugby.

Scotland need to get hold of this and snuff out Samoa's end-of-term high jinks.

Vern Cotter's side have been better in the second half of all their World Cup matches so far. They will need to be again.

Half-time

Trusting a forward to look after the ball is like trusting a City trader to look after your pension. High risk.

Samoa spill forward and Jaco Peyper sends us all for a sit-down and a chance to breathe.

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Scotland 23-26 Samoa

Samoa are finishing the half the stronger.

Final play of the half and they choose to run a penalty from within 15 metres of the Scotland line.

"Keep on your feet and look after the ball," barks scrum-half Kahn Fotuali'i as he sets the forwards rumbling.

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Scotland need to start playing properly. Just cos Samoa are running everything from behind their 22, doesn't mean you have to

Lee in Norwich

Penalty

Tusi Pisi clumps the kick through the sticks to kick a penalty from roughly where he would have taken the conversion had the try stood.

Samoa with snouts in front.

No try

No try, but we are going back to the first offence in the passage of play which was a Scotland offside...

Scrum-down? Or kick for sticks?

Reuters

Try review

Sakaria Taulafo ploughs over from around the fringes. But there has been some skulduggery. 

Tim Nanai-Williams dragged Greig Laidlaw away from his guard position at the base of the ruck to clear the way for his team-mate.

Surely that is not going to stand...

Scotland 23-23 Samoa

Samoa are straight back, straining at the leash.

They are just five metres short of the Scotland line.

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'Brilliant'

Gavin Hastings

Former Scotland full-back on BBC Radio 5 live

Wasn't that just brilliant from Scotland? The backs joined in...Matt Scott was there. There was tremendous control by John Hardie, everyone was working very hard for one another."

Converted try

Nothing fancy there. Front-jumper ball from Scotland as they throw into a line-out five metres out from the Samoa line.

From there they chug infield with a driving maul and John Hardie burrows over at the back of the mess of limbs.

Greig Laidlaw slots the conversion to take us back to even-stevens.

Rex Features

Matt Dawson

2003 World Cup winner

'Scotland shoot themselves in foot'

Gavin Hastings

Former Scotland full-back on BBC Radio 5 live

Scotland have brought this on themselves. Fortunately a couple of conversions have gone to the side that would have been added to Samoa's total. Scotland have just got to keep working very hard."

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Penalty

Tusi Pisi adds to Scotland's punishment as Samoa pull a converted score clear.

Sin-bin

Ryan Wilson is a lucky fellow.

He kicked out in anger after being held. Fortunately for him his boot skimmed across the nose of his opponent and landed on his shoulder.

The yellow card he receives would have been red had he landed his boot a few centimetres the other way.

Scotland 16-20 Samoa

There could be trouble ahead for Ryan Wilson.

The Scotland flanker has been caught on camera, stamping his studs down onto the shoulder of a Samoan tackler who would not release his leg.

Play stopped. Discussions ongoing among the officials.

Another shock on the cards?

Alastair Eykyn

BBC Sport

There has been no let up from the Samoans...

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Gabby Logan

BBC Sport presenter

Samoa have been devastating in attack.

They have covered 193m with the ball to Scotland's 65m and 35 carries to the Scot's 18.

BBC Sport

'Out-muscled'

Gavin Hastings

Former Scotland full-back on BBC Radio 5 live

Scotland are losing all the physical battles. What is the point of kicking the re-start into the 22? It's giving Samoa a free run. From a Scottish perspective they have got to stem this white tide of Samoa."

PA

Penalty

Samoa's discipline - which has been non-existent at times in this tournament - might have thrown Scotland a lifeline in this opening half hour.

Greig Laidlaw cuts the gap as Samoa get over-eager in defence once again.

AP

'Dreadful'

Gavin Hastings

Former Scotland full-back on BBC Radio 5 live

This is poor by Scotland. That was dreadful. Players are being caught in no man's land. They have to do better."

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Peebs: Don't play sevens rugby against Samoa!

Daniel Lewis: This game is daft, Scotland need to make it boring, fast.

Rob Stileman: This game is absolutely bonkers! Both teams all at sea in defence.

How's stat?

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Try

Samoa are playing rugby with the handbrake off and a brick on the acclerator.

Dicey offloads, mis-passes, massive sidesteps. Everything is sticking for the Pacific Islanders.

When the ball does go to ground it travels backwards and Tim Nanai-Wiliams controls with his feet.

The scrambled Scots' defence never gets itself back together and Reynold Lee-Lo barges past Stuart Hogg and into the corner.

Missed conversion.

Penalty

David Denton spills forward as Scotland decide to move the ball from the back of the maul.

Could be costly. But about half the Samoa team were in front of the back foot.

Up goes the referee's arm and from bang in front over the sticks goes the ball from Greig Laidlaw's boot.

Reuters

Scotland 10-15 Samoa

Scotland with a line-out just five metres from the Samoa line. Caught and the drive is on...

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Robbie Devenney: This game is silly.

Alastair Syme: Scotland continue to lose the ball from every kick-off.

Said Madrid: Appalling try conceded by Scotland. The Scots haven't turned up as yet.

'End to end'

Gavin Hastings

Former Scotland full-back

Scotland have got to get their re-start sorted out. It's end to end. I did say I didn't mind if Samoa scored a few tries as long as Scotland won. I am sitting here relatively calmly...for now."

PA

Try

This is like that England v France game at the end of this season's Six Nations.

End-to-end basketball-style scoring with defence a mere afterthought.

Manu Leiataua rumbles through the ragged Scotland defence as Samoa keep the ball alive. 

We are scoring at nearly two points a minute as it stands.

PA

'Suicidal'

Gavin Hastings

Former Scotland full-back on BBC Radio 5 live

That try has come out of nothing. Samoa have given Scotland seven points. Goodness me...that was suicidal from Samoa across the face of their posts."

Converted try

It was a ridiculously loose pass under the sticks from Samoa that gave the ball away. Kamikaze rugby and Tommy Seymour flicks it up and regathers to score.

Nothing wrong with that. 

Laidlaw slots two more to level up.

Reuters

Try review

Charge down! Scotland's Tommy Seymour regathers and dots down. But is there a knock-on in amongst all that?

'Too easy'

Gavin Hastings

Former Scotland full-back on BBC Radio 5 live

That came easily for Samoa. They have played all the rugby and are looking a very confident side. If you didn't know otherwise this is being played out like a straight shoot out as to who finishes second in pool."

Converted try

It was a lovely score, all deft hands and clever angle and Matt Scott's despairing tackle could not force Tusi Pisi into touch.

Pisi steps up and clips over the extras. 

Try review

Samoa in at the corner. But the line call and the grounding are both in question.

This is getting the full forensic treatment from the video official upstairs.

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Penalty

Toulouse and Samoa prop Census Johnston is sporting some frankly ridiculous hair. And he draws further attention to his fluffy top/shaved sides combo as he nosedives south at scrum time. 

Penalty against Samoa. And it is very kickable.

Greig Laidlaw steps up and slaps through.

Possession means points

Samoa have started the game firmly on the front foot, running hard at the Scots.

They have had over 80% possession and playing the game in the Scots' half.

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'Samoa in control'

Gavin Hastings

Former Scotland full-back on BBC Radio 5 live

The reality is Samoa have controlled possession and controlled territory. Scotland have not had their hands on the ball very much at all."

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Penalty

Jumper taken out in the line-out and Samoa have another penalty.

Fly-half Tusi Pisi steps up, takes a peek at the sticks and whacks clean through the middle.

That has taken the atmosphere off the boil at St James' Park.

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Scotland 0-0 Samoa

Samoa number eight lays down the gauntlet at the breakdown, clamping down over the top of a tackled Scot, sealing off the ruck almost airtight.

Scotland pinged for hanging on and Samoa boot down into the Scots' 22m.

'Big opening 20 minutes'

Gavin Hastings

Former Scotland full-back on BBC Radio 5 live

The signing of Flower Of Scotland was absolutely magnificent. My hope is Scotland bring this loud crowd to their feet, it's going to be a big opening 20 minutes."

Reuters

Scotland 0-0 Samoa

Samoa running hard, thumping the ball up with big runners as is their want. They are building some impressive momentum with some deft offloading shifting the point of attack as well.

Promising, but then they stray offside.

Scotland clear up towards halfway.

Kick-off

Here we go. South Africa's Jaco Peyper is in charge and Samoa chip up to the ten-metre and regain possession immediately. 

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I suspect that will be less warm and fuzzy and more fire and passion when this one gets going.

The teams are on the pitch. At anthem time Stuart Hogg only just holds it together as Flower of Scotland blares out.

He looks bang up for this. Kick off imminent. First Samoa's Siva Tau.

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Love is in the air...

Beautiful scenes.

'Starting well key for Scotland'

Gavin Hastings

Former Scotland full-back on BBC Radio 5 live

If Scotland can start off really strongly, something they haven't really done in the first three pool games, they are really capable of opening up this Samoa side. Samoa have their backs are to wall. They haven't really performed and have probably been the most disappointing team of the tournament."

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Said Madrid: There is no hiding place today: The scots need and must deliver. 

Andrew Priestley: This afternoon's crucial game will stand Scotland in good stead for the knockout stages. Every game is a must-win now.  

Assuming they do beat Samoa, Andrew...

Free Alesana

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Samoa are angry. And there are few people you want to play rugby against less than angry Samoans.

Winger Alesana Tuilagi was initially banned for five weeks after his knee struck Japan's Harumichi Tatekawa in their loss to Japan last weekend. It was reduced to two weeks on appeal, but that makes no difference for this match.

It looked largely accidental and little different from the incident in which England's Tom Wood kicked Wales's Liam Williams unconscious. Wood escaped any punishment.

Team news

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Northampton Saints' Kahn Fotuali'i will captain a Samoa side showing seven changes for their final Rugby World Cup game against Scotland in Newcastle.

The scrum-half takes over with London Irish back-row Ofisa Treviranus not included in the match-day squad.

Fotuali'i is one of seven British-based players named by Samoa head coach Stephen Betham in his starting XV.

Samoa: Tim Nanai-Williams (Ricoh Black Rams), Paul Perez (Coastal Sharks), George Pisi (Northampton Saints), Rey Lee-Lo (Cardiff Blues), Fa'atoina Autagavaia (Nevers), Tusi Pisi (Suntory Sungoliath), Kahn Fotuali'i (Northampton Saints, captain); Sakaria Taulafo (Stade Francais), Ma'atulimanu Leiataua (Aurillac), Census Johnston (Toulouse), Teofilo Paulo (Benetton Treviso), Kane Thompson (Newcastle Falcons), Maurie Faasavalu (Bath), Jack Lam (Bristol), Alafoti Faosiliva (Bath).

Replacements: Motu Matu'u (Wellington Hurricanes), Viliamu Afatia (Agen), Anthony Perenise (Bristol), Faifili Levave (Wellington Lions), Vavae Tuilagi (Carcassonne), Vavao Afemai (Manu 7s), Patrick Faapale (Manu 7s), Ken Pisi (Northampton Saints).

When Jean-Pierre met George

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Full-back Stuart Hogg got burned by referee Nigel Owens during Scotland's defeat by South Africa at St James' Park after going to ground too easily.

"Dive like that again and you can come back here in two weeks and play,"said the quick-witted Welsh whistler.

Hogg has football in his genes however. 

"My granny’s granny was the sister of George Best’s great-grandfather,” Hogg revealed a few years ago.

Which World Rugby used as an excuse to roll out this anecdote about George Best drinking the night away with French rugby legend Jean-Pierre Rives.

It's like Superstars having an alcohol round.... 

What more incentive do you need, than that teaser from the Harry Potter author.

In the world of Harry Potter, apparently Sirius Black's birthday is a bit of a mystery.

Team news

Gett

Finn Russell, Stuart Hogg, John Hardie, Sean Maitland and Ross Ford have recovered from injury to start for Scotland against Samoa.

Hooker Ford had been a major doubt with a head knock picked up during the Rugby World Cup defeat by South Africa.

Centre Mark Bennett also returns to a side showing seven changes after missing out against the Springboks.

Scotland: Stuart Hogg (Glasgow Warriors), Sean Maitland (London Irish), Mark Bennett (Glasgow Warriors), Matt Scott (Edinburgh), Tommy Seymour (Glasgow Warriors), Finn Russell (Glasgow Warriors). Greig Laidlaw (Gloucester, captain); Alasdair Dickinson (Edinburgh), Ross Ford (Edinburgh), WP Nel (Edinburgh), R Gray (Castres), J Gray (Glasgow Warriors), Ryan Wilson (Glasgow Warriors), John Hardie (unattached), David Denton (Edinburgh).

Replacements: Fraser Brown (Glasgow Warriors), Gordon Reid (Glasgow Warriors), Jon Welsh (Newcastle Falcons), Tim Swinson (Glasgow Warriors), Josh Strauss (Glasgow Warriors), Henry Pyrgos (Glasgow Warriors), Peter Horne (Glasgow Warriors), Sean Lamont (Glasgow Warriors).

Plenty of Scots have made the trip over the border for this one.

Let's check out the 23 that matter.

On the radio

BBC Radio 5 Live

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You can listen to full commentary on BBC Radio 5 live by clicking the 'Live coverage' tab on this page. Joining Andrew Cotter in the commentary box at St James' Park is former Scotland captain Gavin Hastings

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Tartan takeover

Can Samoa make an impact?

They have beaten only the USA so far. Will we see the real Samoa today?

Pool B as it stands

BBC

So this is how the qualification cookie crumbles this afternoon:

Beat Samoa this afternoon and Scotland are through to a quarter-final against either Wales or Australia.

Lose and the unthinkable suddenly gets very real.

Defeat against Samoa, combined with victory for Japan against United States - who have lost all three of their matches so far - on Sunday would book the Brave Blossoms' last-eight place at the Scots' expense.

A nerve-trembler

Getty Images

If Japan had opted to play it safe, to know their place, to kick for goal, to take three points and the plaudits that would have followed a draw against South Africa, they would already be packing their bags for home.

As it is, a place in the last eight is still possible.

And Scotland are effectively playing knock-out rugby a week early. 

Getty Images

"Tatekawa...Mafi...Here we go! Hesketh! Karne Hesketh!"

It was the most thrilling, unexpected, rub-your-eyes, scratch-your-head, peel-yourself-off-the-ceiling moment of this World Cup. Of any World Cup.

And the ripples are still being felt a fortnight later.