Samoa 72-4 Greece: Samoa back on track with 13-try win

Samoa moved into second spot in Rugby League World Cup Group A as they scored 13 tries on their way to thrashing Greece 72-4 at the Eco-Power Stadium.

Danny Levi, Chanel Harris-Tavita and Tim Lafai each crossed twice for the Samoans in Doncaster, with Stephen Crichton also among the try-scorers as well as kicking 10 conversions.

They led 42-0 at the break after Brian To’o’s first-minute opener was followed by further efforts from Junior Paulo, Levi, Harris-Tavita, Royce Hunt, Jarome Luai and Lafai.

The first try of the second half went to Greece, Lachlan Ilias scoring but unable to convert, before normal service was resumed with Samoa boosting their tally via Fa’amanu Brown, Crichton, Harris-Tavita, Mathew Feagai, Levi and Lafai.

Samoa replace France, who also have two points, in second and will look to seal a quarter-final spot when the sides meet at the Halliwell Jones Stadium in their final group match next Sunday.

Now-eliminated Greece, making their World Cup debut at this tournament, face England at Bramall Lane the day before.

Today’s result also means England are now guaranteed a quarter-final place.

Samoa: Suaali’i, To’o, Crichton, Lafai, Feagai, Luai, Harris-Tavita, Papali’i, Levi, Paulo, Sao, Su’a, Aloiai. Subs: Brown, Hunt, Kaufusi, Taupa’u.

Tries: To’o, Paulo, Levi (2), Harris-Tavita (2), Hunt, Luai, Lafai (2), Brown, Crichton, Feagai. Goals: Crichton 10.

Greece: Robinson, Taukamo, Constantinou, Mougios, Mitsias, Magoulias, Ilias, Flocas, Mamouzelos, Bastas, Kambos, Vrahnos, Sell. Subs: Gal, Nianiakas, Sue-Tin, Bosmos.

Try: Ilias.