Rugby-Samoa finally show up but it's too little, too late

Rugby Union - Rugby World Cup 2023 - Pool D - England v Samoa - Stade Pierre Mauroy, Villeneuve-D'ascq, France - October 7, 2023 Samoa's Nigel Ah Wong looks dejected after the match REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes

LILLE, France (Reuters) - Samoa coach Seilala Mapusua said it was no coincidence that his team showed their best form in their fourth match in Saturday's 18-17 defeat to England but it was their struggles earlier in the tournament that condemned them to an early World Cup exit.

Samoa, who had never beaten England in eight previous attempts, were leading with seven minutes to go until a converted Danny Care try rescued the 2019 runners up after a poor display.