Australia overcome Samoa with 34-15 victory

Australia 34-15 Samoa, Bankwest Stadium
Scorecard

Australia bounced bank from their defeat to New Zealand in Auckland with a 34-15 victory over Samoa at Bankwest Stadium on Saturday.

The Wallabies looked attacking from the outset with Adam Coleman crossing over in the 8th minute and seven minutes later Marika Koroibete sped past the defenders to cross over as they raced to a 10-0 lead.

Even though Samoa got off the mark following a 29th minute penalty from Tusi Pisi but further tries from Adam Ashley-Cooper (29') and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (35') ensured Michael Cheika's men scored 22 points in the first half.

If at all Cheika had something to worry in the game, it was their performance at the start of the second half when they took the step off the accelerator and as a result the visitors were let off the hook with tries for Dwayne Polataivaia in the 53rd and 61st minutes that narrowed down the gap to 22-15.

Nevertheless, the home side closed the game when mattered with late tries from Dane Haylett-Petty (71') and Matt Toomua (80') as they completed a 34-15 win. Foley on his return missed four conversions.

Australia will kick-start their World Cup campaign with a clash against Fiji in Sapporo on 21st September.