Scotland dominate Sāmoa, show depth ahead of World Cup

Scotland delivered a powerful performance against Sāmoa, winning 41-12 in a dominating display at Eden Park on Saturday night.

The match was a great opportunity for Scotland to bounce back after a tough loss to Fiji and to improve their position in the World Rankings ahead of the 2027 World Cup draw coming up in December.

Before facing the Fijians, the Scots defeated the New Zealand Māori XV 29-26 in a closely-contested match.

On Friday, Scotland took control of the game, racing to a 22-0 lead by halftime with tries from Ewan Ashman, Rory Hutchinson, Arron Reed, and Kyle Steyn.

Ashman was first to score just eight minutes in, finishing off a driving play close to Sāmoa's goal line.

Hutchinson quickly followed with another try, taking advantage of a clever play from teammate Stafford McDowall.

Manu Sāmoa and Scotland players embrace after their test match in Auckland on Saturday. The visitors won 41-12

Reed showcased Scotland’s fast-paced offence with a try in the 31st minute, and Steyn added another before halftime, putting Sāmoa on the back foot.

The second half continued in Scotland’s favour. Grant Gilchrist scored right after the break, making it tough for Sāmoa. They finally got on the board with a try from Benjamin Petaia Nee-Nee in the 51st minute, but Scotland quickly answered back with a fantastic try from Kyle Rowe just a few minutes later.

Sāmoa managed another try from Duncan Paia’aua, but it was clear the game was already decided. George Turner sealed Scotland's victory with the final try in the 75th minute.

This match showed Scotland's strength and teamwork, despite missing some key players due to injuries and commitments to the British and Irish Lions.

Sāmoa struggled with mistakes and defensive issues, failing to make the most of their few chances.

It was a strong performance by Scotland, showcasing their depth and ability to shine in challenging circumstances.

With the All Blacks looming for France on Saturday and the Lions preparing to face Australia, Friday’s clash between Sāmoa and Scotland served as a showcase of Northern Hemisphere depth and the Scots' ability to deliver with a reshuffled squad.

Manu Sāmoa will meet Fiji next week. The Flying Fijians are coming off a close loss to the Wallabies, who take on the British and Irish Lions at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on Saturday night.

Earlier, the All Blacks will face the French in the third test. The All Blacks won a tense first match 31-27 in Dunedin before finding their rhythm in last week's 43-17 victory in Wellington.

Coach Scott Robertson has stayed true to his pre-series pledge to give game time to every fit player in his initial squad, making 10 changes for the French match in Hamilton, where the All Blacks will be chasing a series clean sweep.

In other international matches this weekend, world champions South Africa take on Georgia, Argentina-Uruguay, and USA-England.