Australia vs Samoa – Final – Preview & Prediction | 2022 Rugby League World Cup
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THE FACTS
When is Australia vs Samoa on and what time does it start? Australia vs Samoa will take place on Saturday 19th November, 2022 – 16:00 (UK)
Where is Australia vs Samoa taking place? Australia vs Samoa will take place at Old Trafford in Manchester, England
Where can I get tickets for Australia vs Samoa? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for Australia vs Samoa
What channel is Australia vs Samoa on in the UK? Australia vs Samoa will be televised live on BBC in the UK
Where can I stream Australia vs Samoa in the UK? Australia vs Samoa can be streamed live on BBC iPlayer in the UK
THE TEAM NEWS
AUSTRALIA
- Australia edged New Zealand in what has been described as one of the best rugby league games of all-time with the Kangaroos now just 80 minutes away from defending their Rugby League World Cup crown.
- In what was a gruelling affair, Mal Meninga’s side controlled proceedings in the second half and did enough to prevail by two points and the head coach looks likely to roll with the same 17 that earned Australia’s place in the final.
Squad: 1 James Tedesco, 2 Daly Cherry-Evans, 3 Ben Hunt, 4 Valentine Holmes, 5 Jake Trbojevic, 6 Reagan Campbell-Gillard, 7 Cameron Munster, 8 Latrell Mitchell, 9 Josh Addo-Carr, 10 Jack Wighton, 11 Cameron Murray, 13 Patrick Carrigan, 14 Nathan Cleary, 16 Reuben Cotter, 17 Angus Crichton, 18 Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, 20 Harry Grant, 21 Liam Martin, 24 Isaah Yeo
SAMOA
- Samoa made history by booking their spot in the RLWC final for the first time in their history as they secured a stunning upset over hosts England in a golden point thriller at the Emirates Stadium last week.
- Stephen Crichton was the hero as he slotted the drop goal that separated the teams but the Samoans will have to overcome yet another injury blow with Fa’amanu Brown forced to miss the final with a head knock, although Martin Taupau could make a timely return.
Squad: 1 Joseph Suaalii, 2 Taylan May, 4 Stephen Crichton, 5 Brian To’o, 6 Jarome Luai, 7 Anthony Milford, 8 Josh Papali’i, 10 Junior Paulo, 11 Ligi Sao, 12 Jaydn Su’a, 15 Royce Hunt, 16 Spencer Leniu, 17 Martin Taupau, 20 Chanel Harris-Tavita, 22 Kelma Tuilagi, 23 Oregon Kaufusi, 25 Tim Lafai, 26 Ken Sio, 27 Connolly Lemuelu
THE PREDICTION
Australia are on the cusp of clinching the Paul Barrière Trophy for a 12th time after they saw off the number one ranked side in the world in their semi-final last week. The Kangaroos edged a pulsating contest with New Zealand to set up this final with surprise package Samoa. After suffering a 60-6 loss to England in the opening game of the tournament, the Samoans have improved every game since and gained revenge for that loss by beating the hosts in their final four clash. They had to dig deep to clinch the win in golden point as they showed their character as well as quality. They will need to be at the very top of their game if they are to stun the world and lift the trophy here and while they will be game, a fairytale ending is unlikely with Australia able to win by 13+ points.
