Australia are into another World Cup final and against the tiny island nation of Samoa they go in massive favourites in what should be another triumph for the Kangaroos.
Best Bet
It may be obvious but it is worth stating from the get-go: Australia will not be losing this match. Australia have won eight of the last nine World Cups and they faced much stronger opposition than what they will this week. In the last two finals they conceded just two points and their focus is unlikely to change here against Samoa.
While the Australian team has been far from impressive this World Cup, they have an incredibly talented team that stacks up not only against other World Cup teams but historical Australian sides. While the cohesiveness has not been there – and there is an argument that the team has too many cooks – the Kangaroos have no shortage of talent. They hold matchup edges at every position and mostly significant advantages.
Samoa have done a remarkable job to reach the final but it should be noted that they were favoured to do so heading into the tournament. A 60-6 loss to England put them on the backfoot but they have bounced back marvellously. It needs to be noted though that despite the top-end talent in the side – Luai, Suaalii, To’o, Crichton, Paulo – the team will run out with the like of Ligi Sao, Tim Lafai and Fa’amunu Brown playing key roles.
Samoa’s success has been built on an ability to score. That will not be an option against Australia. The Kangaroos should be able to score on Samoa with plenty of ease. They have conceded 26-plus in eight of nine v the three Tier 1 nations and Tonga.
This looks a rout whatever way it is cut up making the minus an excellent bet.
Same Game Multi
Valentine Holmes has scored 19 tries in 18 internationals including in two of his last three World Cup games.
Josh Addo-Carr has World Cup with 12 tries in four games and has been the most lethal player in the World Cup.
Value Bet
Angus Crichton has been a quality tryscorer over the backend of the season and throughout the internationals. He scored six times in his final eight NRL games and has scored in two of four World Cup games as well as in the PM’s XIII clash. He gets a great matchup against some suspect Samoan edge defence.
