Samoa vs New Zealand LIVE Score Updates (0-0)
Samoa and New Zealand are set to face off in a highly anticipated Rugby World Cup match. Both teams are coming off of impressive victories in their respective pool matches. It is sure to be a close and exciting match.
Samoa will be looking to build on their momentum after their thrilling victory over Russia in their opening match. New Zealand, on the other hand, will be looking to bounce back from their narrow win over South Africa.
Samoa has been in impressive form in recent months, winning four of their last five matches. They will be confident of causing an upset against New Zealand, who are ranked number one in the world.
New Zealand will be without the services of star fly-half Beauden Barrett, who is out injured. However, they still have plenty of quality in their ranks, and they will be confident of extending their winning streak against Samoa to six matches.
The match is due to kick off at 7.15pm local time in Kobe. You can follow all the action live on our website.
Team News
Samoa have made two changes to their starting XV for the match against New Zealand.
- Jack Lam has come into the side at number eight in place of TJ Ioane.
- Alapati Leiua has replaced Ed Fidow on the wing.
New Zealand have also made two changes to their starting XV.
- Jordie Barrett has come into the side at full-back in place of his brother Beauden.
- Anton Lienert-Brown has replaced Jack Goodhue at centre.
Key Match-ups
There are several key match-ups to watch out for in the match between Samoa and New Zealand.
- Aaron Smith (New Zealand) vs TJ Ioane (Samoa) - This will be a key battle in the scrum-half position. Smith is one of the best scrum-halves in the world, while Ioane is a rising star.
- Brodie Retallick (New Zealand) vs Chris Vui (Samoa) - This will be a key battle in the second row. Retallick is one of the best second rows in the world, while Vui is a young player with a lot of potential.
- Rieko Ioane (New Zealand) vs Ed Fidow (Samoa) - This will be a key battle on the wing. Ioane is one of the most dangerous wingers in the world, while Fidow is a young player who has impressed in recent months.
Prediction
New Zealand will be confident of victory against Samoa. However, Samoa has been in impressive form in recent months, and they will be looking to cause an upset.
I predict that New Zealand will win the match, but Samoa will put up a good fight.