Mariner's World Cup might not be over

Deine Mariner’s World Cup may not be over after the winger left Samoa’s 78-4 opening win over France with a hamstring issue in the 10th minute. Samoa had already taken an early control, with Mariner scoring the opening try in the third minute. He was forced off shortly after, raising concerns tied to a recent thigh injury he suffered in May. Coach Ben Gardiner said the exit was precautionary, describing it as “hammy awareness,” and said scans would determine the severity. He also noted that Sua Fa’alogo came on “a bit earlier” than planned but performed well. Samoa extended its lead to 28-0, then 34-4 after another try set up by Fa’alogo, before closing out with a record-shattering 78-4 final score.