Two-try Tuilagi scorches Namibia

Wing Alesana Tuilagi powered over for two tries as Samoa raced to a 25-0 half-time lead in their first match of Rugby World Cup 2011 against Namibia in Pool D at Rotorua International Stadium on Wednesday.

Scrum half Kahn Fotuali'i scored the quickest try of the tournament so far when he fielded a poor clearance kick and bullocked his way along the right touchline to dot down in the corner after 49 seconds. Fly half Tusi Pisi converted a difficult kick.

Namibia,who lost 49-25 to Fiji on Saturday, found it hard to cope with the early onslaught by the powerful islanders and went 10-0 down after a Pisi penalty in the 10th minute.

The Welwitschias tried to muscle their way back into the contest, with skipper Jacques Burger leading from the front, but Samoa's backline was always a menace and left wing Tuilagi sprinted over for Samoa's second try after a pass from number 8 George Stowers in the 17th minute.

Pisi converted and was again on target with a penalty before limping off 10 minutes later with a hamstring injury.

Five minutes before half-time, Tuilagi got his second after a quick tapped penalty by Maurie Fa'asavalu found Stowers again combining well with the three-quarters.

But Samoa were reduced to 14 men seconds before the interval when full back Paul Williams was sin-binned for an illegal tackle.