Samoans view Scotland clash as ‘job interview’

Samoa hooker Moto Matu’u says he and his team-mates will be looking to put themselves in the shop window during Saturday’s final Pool B match against Scotland at St James’ Park.

Samoa's hooker Motu Matu'u sees the clash as an opportunity to win contracts with other clubs. Picture: AFP/Getty Images

The Pacific islanders saw any chance of reaching the quarter-finals evaporate last weekend when they were well beaten by Japan in Milton Keynes, but the Hurricanes hooker insists that they still have plenty motivating them to stop Scotland guaranteeing their passage with a win.

“This is like an interview, a job opportunity for the boys to get contracts and play for other clubs. This is a platform,” said the 28-year-old.

“We have a lot to gain in this game. There is a lot at stake for us coming from such a small nation as Samoa.

“We want to show the world stage we can compete. With fewer mistakes and a bit more discipline we can pull it off.

“Emotions are running high but we have to put that aside and concentrate on the task in hand.

“Scotland have a lot of talent and we have to do our homework against them.”

Scotland hooker Kevin Bryce, meanwhile, insists he will be ready if Ross Ford fails to pass his concussion return to play protocols following a head knock against South Africa.

The 27-year-old Glasgow Warrior said: “My mindset is to just know my role, get my lineouts on point – that’s pretty much it. Make sure I know my role amongst the team just in case, so if Ross struggles to make the team I’m ready to step in and do my part – and do it well.

“If he was to be out I would get more reps. But leading up to it we’re all doing the same thing. So there’s not too much of a difference.

“Me, Fraser [Brown] and Fordy all just swap in and out, and make sure everyone gets a good amount of reps and gets the lineouts that they want to get in.”