RLWC2021 – Australia v Samoa: Team news, how to watch on TV & predictions
Everything you need to know – Australia v Samoa.
Samoa become the first-ever tier two nation to make a World Cup final following their 27-26 triumph over hosts England at the Emirates Stadium.
Matt Parish’s side take on the back-to-back champions Australia, who have a total of 11 titles. They defeated New Zealand at Elland Road in the semi-finals last Friday to book their place at the Theatre of Dreams.
Match details
- Australia v Samoa
- Date: Saturday 19th November
- Kick-off time: 4pm
- Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester
- Final
Australia v Samoa
Australia 19-man squad: 9. Josh Addo-Carr, 6. Reagan Campbell-Gillard, 13. Pat Carrigan, 2. Daly Cherry-Evans, 14. Nathan Cleary, 16. Reuben Cotter, 17. Angus Crichton, 18. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, 20. Harry Grant, 4. Valentine Holmes, 3. Ben Hunt, 21. Liam Martin, 8. Latrell Mitchell, 7. Cameron Munster, 11. Cameron Murray, 1. James Tedesco, 10. Jack Wighton, 24. Isaah Yeo.
Samoa 19-man squad: 1. Joseph Suaali’I, 2. Taylan May, 4. Stephen Crichton, 5. Brian To’o, 6. Jerome 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 Taupa’u*, 20. Chanel Harris-Tavita, 22. Kelma Tuilagi, 23. Oregon Kaufusi, 25. Tim Lafai, 26. Ken Sio, 27. Connelly Lemuelu.
What the two camps are saying
Australia boss Mal Meninga said: “I am very happy with the attitude and performances of all 24 players throughout the World Cup but keeping the same team for the final is a bonus.
“We all are very aware that our goal hasn’t been achieved yet and fully realise we are on the cusp of something very few players have had the opportunity to do.”
Samoa star Jarome Luai said: “Belief has got us this far, not many people did believe in us. But within our group, there’s plenty of that. So we’re always going to believe we can shake the comp up. We’re here right now, so why not win it?”
How can I watch the game on TV?
Every game across the men’s, women’s and wheelchair World Cup tournaments is being broadcast by the BBC.
Australia v Samoa will be on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
READ: How to watch every Rugby League World Cup game on the BBC
Odds and predictions
Australia are massive favourites to win this one with Planet Sport Bet, priced at 1/11. Samoa have returns of 7/1 and would need to play the best game in their history to win this one.
It’s hard to see past the champions under Meninga, but something that’s for certain is that this game will live long in the memory as one of the best-ever finals.
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