Filed under: Rugby Union, Rugby World Cup, South Africa Rugby
It wasn't only South Africa who breathed a sigh of relief after their 13-5 win over Samoa sealed their World Cup quarter-final spot.The Springboks' narrow victory ensured Wales will surely join them in the last eight ahead of their match against Fiji on Sunday.
While South Africa were always odds-on to clinch their place in the knock-out phase, Warren Gatland's men have been boosted knowing they are on the verge of progressing. If they avoid losing by 39 points then they will book their place.
That had much to do with the defending champions surviving a major scare against Samoa in Auckland.
The combined kicking efforts of Morne Steyn and Frans Steyn kept the Samoans at bay - as the pair landed eight points between them - while Bryan Habana scored their only try as the game looked over with the Boks leading 13-0 at the interval.
But they had to survive a sustained second-half Samoa onslaught, with the South Sea Islanders unfortunate to score just the one try through George Stowers.
Samoa's hopes were hit when Paul Williams was red carded for pushing Heinrich Brussow in the face after the full-back retaliated to being hit.
Yet despite pressure, and several close calls, there was no way through.
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Source: http://www.fanhouse.co.uk/2011/09/30/world-cup-round-up-south-africas-win-is-a-massive-boost-for-wa/
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