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The Wallabies start their international campaign for 2011 with a hit-out against Manu Samoa, with both teams eyeing the match as a first step on their way to the Rugby World Cup. Join us from 2pm for live scores and blog of the Wallabies v Samoa.
Samoa are coming off a disappointing Pacific Nations Cup performance, but did manage a win against eventual winners Japan, and are boosted by returns by European and Australasian-based players.
The Samoans are big and strong and have a height advantage across the park as they look to play their hard running tough tackling style.
This can result in the blue and white running out of puff earlier than their counter-parts, however recent Test form shows Samoa could have beaten Ireland in late 2010, and lost to England by just 13 points – the same side the Wallabies lost to by 17.
If Samoa are going to win, they need to keep possession and eliminate errors and penalties. If they can do this before the Wallabies have a chance to settle, they could rattle the Australians.
Yet, Samoa have never beaten Australia in a Test match, and they shouldn’t beat the Wallabies today.
The Wallabies will view the game as a tune-up ahead of the upcoming Tri Nations and Bledisloe Cup games against heavyweights South Africa and New Zealand, ahead of the assault on the William Webb Ellis Cup.
The Australian side has a mixture of debutantes, old heads returning to the fold, and players keen to make an impact after less than impressive seasons thus far.
The Wallabies will need to ensure they are composed and ruthless against Samoa, with coach Robbie Deans expecting high intensity for the full game to overrun the Samoans.