Samoa's Mapusua accuses referees of 'unconscious bias' after England loss

Samoa head coach Seilala Mapusua said on Saturday lower-ranked nations suffered from an "unconscious bias" from referees after the narrow 18-17 loss to England in the Rugby World Cup.

Mapusua's side led with seven minutes to go in Lille but were penalised 14 times and shown a yellow card by Andrew Brace.

"I believe there is, I believe there has been in the past," Mapusua told reporters.

"I don't think it's anyone's fault.

"It's what I've seen for the last I don't know how many years, from when I was playing," the former Samoa and London Irish centre added.

Rugby from the heavens ??Samoa lead 14-8 at half time thanks to two tries from Nigel Ah-Wong!#RWC2023 | #ENGvSAM pic.twitter.com/EDs5F6IaRQ

Samoa captain Michael Alaalatoa agreed with his coach, pointing out sides like Tonga and Fiji have also suffered the same fate.

"From what I've seen, all Pacific Island nations in the past when they play games, you have to nail everything to get an outcome," the prop said.

"If you don't it's going to cost you, whether it's a skill error or giving penalties away," he added.

Match-winning ??Danny Care crosses to push England ahead in the final score of the game!#RWC2023 | #ENGvSAM pic.twitter.com/wiGWpDrglx

Danny Care's try, converted by England captain Owen Farrell, in the 73rd minute denied Samoa a first victory over the 2003 World Cup winners.

"Proud is an understatement," Mapusua said.

"I thought we were pretty dominant in most aspects of the game.

"We stopped England's game for about 70 minutes," he added.