Rugby: Under 20s beat Samoa but lose out

Scotland’s hopes of securing a place in the group of 5th-8th ranked countries for the final two rounds of the IRB World Junior Championship were dashed despite the Scots Under-20s winning their final Pool C match against Samoa Under-20s 36-33 at the Stade Pascal Laporte in Nantes last night.

The Scots ended the pool stages with six points but lost out to France on points difference.

Scotland looked to be in a winning position when they led 21-12 at half time with tries from Edinburgh Rugby winger Jamie Farndale, Perpignan stand-off Tommy Allan and Boroughmuir winger Damien Hoyland, all converted by Allan. The Scots then added two tries in the second half by the Ayr centre Robbie Fergusson and the Bath full back JJ Kilmartin and one conversion from Ben Cooper.

Samoa scored three converted tries in the second half to level the score at 33-33 before Cooper struck the winning penalty goal.

Scotland under-20: JJ Kilmartin; J Farndale, C Auld, R Fergusson, D Hoyland; T Allan, A Price; J Malcolm, R Anderson, D Rae, E Masterson, J Gray (captain), T Spinks, A Henderson, A Ashe Subs C Black, J Bhatti, P Cringle, R Leishman, W Bordill, S Steele, B Cooper, R Hughes.

Samoa under-20: M Nanai; H Luteru, P Sasagi, C Fonoti, F Ah Ki (captain); F Fenika, R Paraki; A Broomhall, M Feagai, E Amituanai, B Chan, K Alainuuese, N Malaki, M Elia, M Peni Subs used S Siataga, B Toomalaatai, S Ah Sam, T Solia, B Birtwhistle, S Malolua, J Vaeau, A Alatimu.Referee: D Phillips (Ireland).