In one of the biggest upsets in Australian rugby, Samoa have pulled off a shock upset to defeat the Wallabies by nine points today at ANZ stadium.
The end score was Samoa 32 – Wallabies 23. Australia condemned the Springboks for sending a sub-par team to Australia. However, the side they fielded against Samoa was lacking many of their stars and the scoreboard showed the result.
Samoa burst out of the blocks in the first half, racing to a 17 point lead, with the Wallabies unable to score and passing up opportunities to take simple penalties from in front.
The tone was set by Samoa’s best Alesana Tuilagi, who grabbed a loose ball to race away down the left side of the field. Matt Giteau chased in vain, with Tuilagi celebrating wildly. The score was 0 – 10 after just 13 minutes.
The momentum remained with the blue and white of Samoa, and their strong defence forced numerous errors by Australia.
In the 28th minute, Samoa won a line out on the Wallabies’ 40m line and pushed onto attack. A kick behind the line was collected by Nick Phipps but his attempt to clear a kick was charged down by Samoa and the ball bounced for Paul Williams to score.
Pisi converted, and Samoa were 17 points ahead after just 30 minutes.
The Wallabies were able to attack late in the first half, with Samoan Daniel Leo sent off for repeated infringements in the breakdown.
The extra man allowed the Wallabies to escape the crushing defence of the Samoans, and the Wallabies scored via Digby Ioane, and a penalty to Matt Giteau late in the first half saw the Wallabies back to 10 – 17 behind at half time, and in a far better position.
The Wallabies were boosted by an early penalty conversion by Giteau to bring the score to withint four points – but this was as close as they came.
A stunning try to Samoa came from some inventive ballplay in the 47th minute, as Samoa kept the ball alive after a crucial missed tackle by Giteau. A lovely ball thrown inside found Kane Thompson loose and in a mile of space to the line. Pisi missed his first kick, and the score was 13 – 22 to Samoa.
Leo returned to the play to end the extra-man advantage to the Wallabies, and while more penalties were awarded to the Wallabies in an increasingly one-sided penalty count, they couldn’t find a way through the strong defence.
From a Samoan scrum in the 57th minute, the ball was pushed left to danger-man Tuilagi, who kicked ahead and while Beale and Davies were able to clean up, an ankle tap on Davies saw a hungry defensive from Samoa able to crowd the breakdown and win the ball.
A big push forward saw the ball cross the line, and after conferring with the video, referee Jonkers awarded the try to Samoa to push them out to sixteen point lead after Pisi converted, the Wallabies trailing 13-29.
Coach Robbie Deans brought on big guns Will Genia and Kurtley Beale to energise the Wallabies attack, and the move appeared to pay dividends after Giteau pegged three points back via a penalty in the 58th minute to trail 16-29.
However, the Wallabies continued to waste chances, and Samoa poured on more pressure, with the Wallabies desperately holding out another try in the 64th minute. A penalty was conceded, and Pisi put the points on to lead 16-32.
Higginbotham showed touches of brilliance to set up Giteau in the 72nd minute, chipping and chasing within inches of the sideline to throw a final ball for Giteau to collect and score on the right. Giteau converted to put some pressure on Samoa, the score closing to 23-32.
However, the defence of Samoa wouldn’t let up, and a strong smell of a historic victory continued to inspire bone crunching tackles, forcing mistakes from a bruised Wallabies.
The Wallabies trounced Samoa 74-7 in their last meeting six years ago. Australia suddenly find themselves with a massive task to get their program back on track, only eight weeks out from the Rugby World Cup.
Following the loss to Manu Samoa, Wallabies coach Robbie Deans said.
“We weren’t good enough at what we did. They’re a good combination, it was a globally selected side, it’s a world cup squad, where we’re at, we’re just stating we knew that.
“I think the injection late in the game showed what we could have done but it was too late.
“It’s a game that I’ll remember, obviously, we won’t focus on individuals at this stage but for blokes that get the call again they’ve had a good learning experience.
“Some of the Reds who didn’t come back into the squad until Monday will come back into contention but in regards to the injured players not much will change there, we’ll just have to wait and see, we’ve got six days until we face the Springboks.”
Wallabies captain Rocky Elsom said:
“I’m not happy about it, I don’t think anyone is, but we’ve got six days till will play the Springboks so we’ve got plenty to work on.
“I think the thing that let us down was that we weren’t effective enough in attack.
“They put on good shots and they deserved to win but we weren’t effective enough in attack.
“I think the island sides are better when they get their full complement back and I think they’d be happy to have all their players all the time.”
danz
Guest
ill put it this way guys...samoa beat the wallabies in australia! now tell me when was the last time wales beat australia in australia....ummmm like never! and as for wales in the world cup, well lets just say its been almost 100 years since theyve won a footy game anywhere downunder, so what makes you think they will start winning in the world cup! Just know that the world cup is in NZ which means it will be like a home game to the Samoan team coz of the population of pacific islanders there! so i wouldnt be so cocky about your usless welsh team of no names beating samoa in the world cup coz theyll go back to the NH with the tails between their legs like every other world cup champ!
Ben S
Roar Guru
Firstly, your point regarding the specifics of the term journeymen is incorrect. That is the starting point. Secondly, nobody is attempting to undermine the Samoan victory, least of all 'everybody'. Thirdly, if you'd like I will explain precisely to you why the Samoan side compromised, IMO, a collection of journeyman players.
Ben S
Roar Guru
Here's a selection of ridiculous comments that you've made: 'Really? A team coached by Graham Henry and co unprofessional?' Yes. I explained why, and you didn't respond, merely repeating the same 'argument'. 'And couldn’t hold on to a lead at home against an under-strength Fiji?' I pointed out that this was not a 1st XV for Wales and asked you to confirm how this results indicates a lack of professionalism. You failed to. 'Yes, but on those autumn tours they don’t have the benefit of training camps, like the big nations do. They just meet up, see who made it, have a training run, and play.' I suggest you examine who played on the recent European tour. 'As for that “lousy” 1999 Wales team: didnt they beat England and France (in Paris) that year in the Five Nations? Like i said, no mugs.' Again, repetition without understanding. France finished last in that 5N, and Wales beat an England side containing debutants and at Wembley. Hardly an indication of the strength of Wales, hence I rmade specific references to Steve Black, Chris Wyatt etc, and if you want a broader picture of Wales under Henry then do some research. 'Of course, but no real preparation like teh superpowers have. Go back to school, mate' How many weeks did Scotland have in preparation during the Autumn? Or Italy? Or Wales? Brush that sad chip off your shoulder and stop looking for arguments.
Shahsan
Guest
you started this whole silly thread with the arrogant "Sailosi, the Welsh tight five will donk Samoa out of the park" comment and I've been trying to say that that what exactly teh sort of statements previous Welsh fans said before meeting Samoa.
robert
Guest
the arse-ripping samoa gave the wallabies in the weekend was not the work of journeymen..comprende? can't believe everybody's trying to undermine the samoan win..
Shahsan
Guest
Nonsense. Name me one statement you've proven incorrect. All Samoa's best players get together on tour? Never. Training camps? Never. 3-4 weeks on tour? Of course, but no real preparation like teh superpowers have. Go back to school, mate
Ben S
Roar Guru
Maybe the dictionary will help: 'any experienced, competent but routine worker or performer.' 'a competent workman' Seems there is such a thing as a journeyman in rugby after all.
robert
Guest
there's no such thing as a journeyman in rugby..they're professional players who are recruited due to talent..the term refers to bums in boxing who add their names to make an upstart's record look good..sonny bill williams has clocked up the miles playing for different clubs in three different sports the last four years..he's no journeyman..dumb
Ben S
Roar Guru
Shifty? You're all over the place. You've made various statements that I've proven incorrect, and then you go off on another tangent without making reference to the various previous failed (and wild) references. Very odd...
Shahsan
Guest
Yes, boring. And shifty.
Ben S
Roar Guru
This is really boring now. The Samoan side spends 3-4 weeks together during the Autumn, and their best players are basically always available, so perhaps you should stop rewriting history. So what if Wales managed one-off victories during Henry's reign? That doesn't detracted from any of my points, and nor does it add to anything you are saying. Shall I also point out some of the horrific losses they suffered? I've watched Samoan rugby players for years in Europe, and the majority of Samoan forwards are, on the world stage, journeymen: Taulafo, Schwalger, Perenise, Levi, Leo, Thompsen, Stowers. They are physical and skillfull but will not beat a side that has a physical and technically competent set of forwards.
shahsan
Guest
Does anyone know how the Pisi brothers are doing? Both had bad injuries on Sunday. Also, when do they play Western Force?
shahsan
Guest
One more thing about the 1999 upset. Everyone keeps talking about the 1991 win by Samoa over Wales but i reckon the 1999 win was a better achievement. a. Samoa were an unknown entity in 1991 so had the element of surprise. b. They were relatively stronger then, with Lam, Lima and Bachop still young, and supplemented by grizzled veterans such as Peter Fats and Matafaa Keenan, and they had exceptional players such as Too Vaega, Apollo Perelini, Frank Bunce, Sila Vaifale in their ranks. c. Wales in 1991 were at close to the lowest, most shambolic point of their rugby history. d. In 1999 Samoa were quite strong but many players were at the end of their careers: Lam, Tuigamala, Paramore, Vaega etc. e. Wales were hosts, were coached by Graham Henry, and had beaten England and France in the Five Nations that year. They had Dai Young, Garin Jenkins, the Quinnell brothers, Charvis, Gibbs, Bateman, Jenkins at or near their peaks.
Shahsan
Guest
Yes, but on those autumn tours they don't have the benefit of training camps, like the big nations do. They just meet up, see who made it, have a training run, and play. You obviously havent watched how Samoa play over the years. No real change. As for that "lousy" 1999 Wales team: didnt they beat England and France (in Paris) that year in the Five Nations? Like i said, no mugs. And hosting the World Cup, I doubt they were taking it lightly. Dont make light of that massive upset by Samoa. Youre rewriting history.
Ben S
Roar Guru
Samoa play a conservative brand of rugby that apes what happens in Europe. They play down the middle and kick when they can't penetrate the defence. I would wager that playing in Europe has influenced the players. The Samoan side that toured Europe contained all the big Samoan names, so that excuse isn't accurate. The reason that Samoa hasn't beaten a northern side in a long time is because their set piece is often erratic, they lack real playmakers in the backline, and commit too many fouls/mistakes. European packs can't be bullied at the breakdown the way Australia was on the weekend.
Shahsan
Guest
There is a simple reason Samoa haven't beaten a northern hemipshere side for a while: they are well prepared and at full strength only at World Cup time, never on the autumn tours, and at the past two World Cups, the only northern side they have met have been England, who made the final both times. They did give England a mild scare in 2003 before England overwhelmed them at the end (they also lost only to South Africa in 2003), while a badly prepared Manu Samoa lost to England and Tonga in 2007. One more thing: Samoa don't play like a northern side. They play as they have always played, and that is to a simple game plan. Win ball, run it, or kick for position. Don't toss it around willy nilly. Very basic, technically correct rugby, with all players comfortable in handling the ball, as witnessed by fantastic their third try against Australia. Their sevens team play the same way too. What they have learnt from playing in Europe is the discipline in cutting down on those silly and unproductive big hits that used to be their stock in trade. They still hit hard and come up with one or two of those, of course, but only at the right times. Come on, 18 Septemeber. Really looking forward to it.
Ben S
Roar Guru
And I stand by what I said. This is pretty simple stuff - the Welsh side of 2011 is fitter, bigger and technically better than the Welsh side of 1999. If Samoa want to play rugby like a conservative northern side then that will suit Wales. I don't think it's a coincidence that Samoa hasn't beaten a top northern side in a long time.
Todd @ Cricket Betting
Guest
This is complete bs. At the breakdowns and in defence Samoa were all over the Wallabies. The way Tuilangi had his opposite number in his pocket, lining him up hit after hit was incredible.
Shahsan
Guest
The words in brackets were an encapsulation of the general sentiments you -- like those guys in 1991 and 1999 - have expressed. But here are some of what you actually said: "the Welsh tight five will donk Samoa out of the park" "Adam Jones will shunt [Taulafo] off the park if he starts trying to disengage like he did today. "the Samoan tactic of playing down the middle will suit the Welsh as it is a northern tactic." PS. Ultra-professionallism case #3: Mike Phillips
Ben S
Roar Guru
That's just chip on the shoulder stuff. I never said any of that. What I said was that the Welsh set piece is very good, and their backs are far better than in recent years.