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Scotland Triumph In Final Tyneside Fixture
Written by Newcastle Utd
St. James' Park's involvement in the Rugby World Cup came to a close with an absolute thriller on Saturday
By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Managing Editor
St. James' Park's involvement in the 2015 Rugby World Cup came to a close with an absolute thriller on Saturday afternoon, as Scotland edged past Samoa 36-33.
The Magpies' stadium was used for three Pool games, and saved the best for last as the Scots triumphed in front of nearly 52,000 to reach the quarter-finals of the tournament.
An enthralling, end-to-end first half saw Samoa hold a slender 26-23 advantage thanks to tries from Tusi Pisi, Ma'atulimanu Leiataua and Rey Lee-Lo, while Tommy Seymour and John Hardie crashed over for the Scots.
And there was no let-up in the second period as both teams went full throttle in search of the victory.
Scotland skipper Greig Laidlaw - who also kicked five penalties and three conversions - scored what turned out to be the decisive try with seven minutes remaining, although there was still time for some late drama, as Samoa's Motu Matu crossed the line.
But Scotland held firm and will face Australia in the last eight.
