Wallabies given wake-up call by Samoa

SAMOA produced one of their most memorable victories in international rugby yesterday, dealing a damaging World Cup blow to Ireland’s key group rivals only two months out from the tournament.

The Samoans posted four tries against two in the match and led 17-0 after the first half-hour, with powerful winger Alesana Tuilagi setting an ominous tone with a long-range try against the run of play in the 11th minute.

“This is something special, a win like this creates history for Samoa,” skipper Mahroni Schwalger said.

The Samoans were more aggressive at the breakdowns and in defence, unsettling a below-strength Australia who were missing most of their Super 15-winning Queensland Reds and featured four players making their run-on debuts.

Matt Giteau, playing fly-half in the absence of Quade Cooper, scored 18 points from a late try, two conversions and three penalties for Australia. His opposite number, Tusi Pisi, landed two penalties and three conversions for the Samoans.

Skipper and former Leinster star Rocky Elsom said the Wallabies let themselves down by not being effective enough in attack.

“We weren’t good enough at what we were doing,” he said. “What’s important now is our response. We’ve got six days until we play the Springboks. Dwelling on things is not going to serve us well.”

AUSTRALIA: Gerrard, Davies, Ashley-Cooper, McCabe, Ioane, Giteau, Phipps, Kepu, Moore, Alexander, Timani, Sharpe, Elsom, Hodgson, McCalman.

Replacements: Beale for Gerrard (55), Genia for Phipps (56), Vickerman for Sharpe (51), B Robinson for Hodgson (50), Higginbotham for McCalman (59).

SAMOA: P.Williams, Tagicakibau, G Pisi, Mapusua, A Tuilagi, T Pisi, Fotuali’i, Taulafo, Schwalger, Perenise, Thompson, Leo, Tuifua, Fa’asavalu, Stowers.

Replacements: Fuimaono-Sapolu for G Pisi (58), B Helleur for T Pisi (72), Johnston for Taulafo (65), Paulo for Schwalger (77), Levi for Thompson (69), Salavea for Tuifua (79).

Referee: M Jonker (South Africa).