With the wind and rain making life difficult for both sides, it was far from a classic encounter. However, Australia had too much power and know-how to allow the Samoans to build on their impressive displays in the pool stages of the competition.
Fly half Quade Cooper handed Australia the lead after five minutes with a penalty from 15 metres and four minutes later his side drove a line-out to within a metre of the line before the Samoans were penalised again.
Cooper struck an upright from 20 metres with the resultant penalty to enable Samoa to clear their lines and form a platform of their own. However, the Australian defence stayed firm and increased their lead nine minutes from the interval through a penalty try.
The Australian fly half converted and continued to dictate from pivot, although the backs outside him struggled in the increasingly difficult conditions.
The first half finished with Australia, whose title hopes ended with a late charge down try against England last weekend, on top and with Samoa defending their line as if their lives were dependent upon it.
It was the same story in the early minutes of the second half with Australia once again threatening to break loose through the outstanding half backs of Richard Kingi and Cooper.
Cooper kicked another penalty to increase his side’s lead before centre Rowan Kellam crossed for a 61st minute try which his fly half duly converted. Two minutes later Australia were 27 points to the good courtesy of a converted try from prop Ben Daley.
A further try from giant wing Ratu Nasiganiyavi in the 80th minute extended the lead and, although the score went unconverted, Australia were home if not altogether dry. They now face France at Cardiff Arms Park on Sunday, while Samoa face Argentina in the seventh place playoff in Newport.
Australia Coach Brian Melrose said of his side’s victory: “There were some pretty disappointed boys this week after the England defeat, but they have struck back well against a formidable side. Now, we have to prove it again on Sunday in what should be an exciting game because both sides like to play rugby the right way. We need to realise at least some of our expectations and that means winning the game on Sunday.”
Australia’s Man of the Match Quade Cooper added: “These four day turnarounds are difficult but I felt the boys were right up for this tonight and that is pleasing. There’s one game to go and France will be another difficult side to play against. However, if we can cut out our mistakes then we have the ability to finish with a win.”
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Whilst Samoa Team Manager Namulauulu Sami Leota commented: “We came here as seventh seeds so we need to beat Argentina on Sunday to retain that position. This was always going to be a tough game because they are a fine side, but just as we have in our other three games we gave it our best shot.”
