- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
Australia
34
Match Complete
Samoa
15
| M. Toomua |  | 80 | ||
| B. Foley |  | 71 | ||
| D. Haylett-Petty | | 70 | ||
| 61 | | T. Pisi | ||
| 60 | | D. Polataivao | ||
| 52 | | D. Polataivao | ||
| B. Foley | | 36 | ||
| L. Salakaia-Loto | | 34 | ||
| A. Ashley-Cooper | | 29 | ||
| 28 |  | T. Pisi | ||
| M. Koroibete | | 15 | ||
| A. Coleman | | 7 |
| 6 | Tries | 2 | ||
| 2 | Conversions | 1 | ||
| 0 | Penalty Goals | 1 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
Show Preview
Australia have scored six tries to two in beating Samoa 34-15 in Sydney in the Wallabies’ last Test before the Rugby World Cup in Japan.
Final score
Wallabies 34
Samoa 15
In their final hit-out before the September 20 commencement of the Rugby World Cup in Japan, the Wallabies will descend upon Bankwest Stadium in Sydney for the first time ever, taking on Manu Samoa in a rematch eight years in the making. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 7:35pm (AEST).
Eight years ago, in their final fixture before the 2011 Rugby World Cup, the Wallabies had their pants pulled down by Manu Samoa, losing by 32-23 at Sydney’s ANZ Stadium in one of the biggest upsets in Test rugby history.
On that day, the Wallabies were out-muscled, out-desired, and ultimately out-played by a Samoan side punching well above their weight. Wallabies’ fans will recall with great sorrow the sight of Alesana streaking down the left touchline, goose-stepping past Matt Giteau in cover to score the first try of the game against the run of play.
Debutant winger Rod Davies still has Tuilagi’s shoulder imprint in his ribs to prove that he was involved in that game too.
Despite being caught off guard in the embarrassing loss, Wallabies’ coach Michael Cheika has named a largely second-string side to face Samoa, resting the likes of Samu Kerevi, Nic White, Kurtley Beale, Rory Arnold, Christian Lealiifano, Isi Naisarani, Izack Rodda, Tolu Latu, Folau Fainga’a and skipper Michael Hooper.
Prop Allan Ala’alatoa has also unfortunately been rested, missing out on the chance to play against his brother Michael in what would have been a fascinating battle.
In Hooper’s absence, the Wallabies will be skippered by David Pocock, who will also wear Hooper’s number 7 jersey.
Several non-World Cup players have also been named in the side. Tom Banks will line up at fullback, after missing out on the final cut for the World Cup squad despite a stellar season with the Brumbies this year.
Tatafu Polota-Nau, Luke Lones, Liam Wright, Nick Phipps and Rob Valetini (on debut) are the other non-World Cup players. They were all named on the bench.
Prediction
The Wallabies certainly go into this one as favourites. Given what happened eight years ago I find it hard to believe that complacency will be an issue for them.
Still, you never know with the Wallabies. One week they’re putting their biggest ever score on the All Blacks in Sydney, the next they’re getting absolutely towelled up at Eden Park.
The fact that this is a second-string side makes this game even harder to predict. Many of these players are making their first appearance since Super Rugby ended. Others like David Pocock have been out for even longer.
The Wallabies should win this. But if the Wallabies did everything that they should do, the world would be a vastly different place.
Wallabies by 14.
Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match, starting from 7:35pm (AEST).
Where: Bankwest Stadium, Sydney
When: 7:35pm
TV: Channel 10, Fox Sports
Streaming: Kayo Sports
Wallabies (15-1)
Tom Banks, Dane Haylett-Petty, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Matt To’omua, Marika Koroibete, Bernard Foley, Will Genia, Jack Dempsey, David Pocock (c), Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Adam Coleman, Rob Simmons, Sekope Kepu, Jordan Uelese, James Slipper
Reserves: Tatafu Polota-Nau, Scott Sio, Taniela Tupou, Luke Jones, Liam Wright, Rob Valetini, Nick Phipps, James O’Connor
Samoa (15-1)
Tim Nanai-Williams, Belgium Tuatagaloa, Alapati Leiua, Ray Lee-Lo, Ed Fidow, Tusi Pisi, Scott Malolua, Afaesetiti Amosa, Jack Lam, TJ Ioane, Kane Leaupepe, Filo Paulo, Michael Alaalatoa, Ray Niuia, Jordan Lay
Reserves: Motu Matu’u, Paul Alo-Emile, Logovi’I Mulipola, Josh Tyrell, Seilala Lam, Dwayne Polataivao, AJ Alatimu, Ahsee Tuala
Hide Preview
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.