LIVE: Kangaroos' 'arrogant' start leaves Samoa in tatters

14 Oct 2023
Match times (AEDT)

6:05pm | Jillaroos v Kiwi Ferns, Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville

8:10pm | Kangaroos v Toa Samoa, Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville

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Kotoni Staggs scores on the hooter to make his debut a dream debut.

A crafty kick from Daly Cherry-Evans in behind Samoa's defence found Staggs running on to the ball and going over.

Staggs kicks the conversion as Australia win 38-12.

They might be losing this match but the Samoans are putting on a show!

Quick hands down the left found Murray Taulagi with some space before he beat multiple defenders and then found Luciano Leilua inside.

Leilua then muscled his way over Ben Hunt to score. 

"That's brilliant," Phil Gould said on Nine's coverage.

Through the crafty work of Harry Grant, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow is in for his second.

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The hooker kept the defence guessing before an exchange of hands allowed Tabuai-Fidow to go over.

Australia lead 32-6. 

Samoa had a sniff!

And it was a moment of brilliance from Sualauvi Fa'alogo.

The fullback chipped over the top of James Tedesco and scored, however the Bunker intervened and judged Keenan Palasia knocked on in the lead up to the try.

The great Phil Gould was not happy. 

"Have a night off ... it's disgraceful, absolutely disgraceful," he said on Nine. 

Before the Bunker intervened Gould was in awe: "That is special."

Official crowd number is 18,144 with the second half five minutes in and no change to the score.

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Ali Brigginshaw featured in the post-match press conference after the Jillaroos win.

The legendary halfback left the field for an HIA in the final minute after being on the end of a dangerous throw.

She spoke about the incident, stating "that's footy". Read more here.

My latest post was the kiss of death for Samoa.

A short drop off from Daly Cherry-Evans was batted towards Harry Grant who passed to speed machine Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow.

The centre beat defenders and then once he got in the clear inside his side's own 50, it was all over as he sprinted away. 

"He's just brilliant, he's a wonderful athlete ... it's exquisite isn't it, he's a beautifully balanced runner," NRL legend Phil Gould said on Nine.

Quieter period here with the score remaining at 22-6 with just over two minutes remaining in the half.

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