Te'o double inspires Samoa win
November 09, 2008

SAMOAN second-rower Ben Te'o made a blistering World Cup debut with two tries as his side thrashed France 42-10 at CUA Stadium.

The result secured Samoa ninth place and handed France the unlucky wooden spoon in the 10-team tournament.

It was a highly disappointing end to the French campaign and followed their 42-6 belting from Fiji last week.

The Samoans dominated the opening 40 minutes by running in five tries to none followed by two more in second half for a 36-0 lead before the French made a late entry onto the scoreboard with two late four-pointers.

Te'o, overlooked for Samoa's first two matches, showed his brilliance throughout by setting up two tries and scoring two of his own.

He threw a well-timed offload for Francis Meli to score in the 12th minute and then brushed aside five defenders to score an outstanding solo try in the 24th minute.

He continued to torment the French with a one-handed offload that led to winger Misi Taulapapa scoring in the 38th minute.

Brisbane Broncos bound Te'o then completed his superb game by bursting through for Samoa's sixth try just eight minutes after half-time.

In an often brutal game the Samoans were rarely troubled even though a late flurry from France, with tries to Jerome Guisset (64th minute) and Sebastien Planas (68th), added some late excitement.

Skipper Tony Puletua completed Samoa's rout by scoring in the 77th minute.

Te'o was not alone in starring for Samoa with five-eighth Ben Roberts named man of the match and prop Kylie Leulua'i setting the tone with some heavy defence.