Australia beat Samoa 44-12 in Sydney to reach the men’s Rugby League World Cup final against New Zealand. Reece Walsh scored three tries as the defending champions built a commanding first-half lead. Samoa’s attempt to reach a second consecutive final ended, while Australia maintained their unbeaten record in the countries’ six Test meetings.
Australia defeated Samoa 44-12 at Allianz Stadium in Sydney on 8 November to reach the men’s Rugby League World Cup final. Reece Walsh scored three tries for the defending champions, who will face New Zealand in Brisbane. Samoa’s defeat ended their attempt to reach a second successive final after Australia had taken a 26-2 lead into half-time.[1], [2]
Stephen Crichton’s penalty goal had put Samoa in front before Tom Dearden scored Australia’s first try. Jacob Preston and Tom Trbojevic followed, then Walsh and Bradman Best crossed before the interval. Best’s score was his first Test try. Samoa’s Spencer Leniu was temporarily sent off for dissent near half-time. A crowd of 41,259 watched the semi-final.[1]
Crichton scored after the break when Walsh dropped a high ball. Walsh answered with his second try, and Cameron Munster’s conversion made it 32-8. Izack Tago then scored for Samoa, before Walsh completed his third try and Jack Bostock added a late score. Australia recorded their sixth win over Samoa in six Tests. Their final opponents New Zealand beat them 34-20 in the 2008 Brisbane decider.[1]
