Australia is through to the World Cup final after a standout performance Reece Walsh and Tom Dearden as some of Kevin Walters’ big selection calls paid off.
Here are Paul Crawley’s ratings from the semi-final win against Samoa!
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1 Reece Walsh – 8.5
Exceptional performance from the Broncos superstar who was a worthy man of the match on the back of three tries, a try assist, two line breaks and two line break assists.
Did cough up two high balls, one resulted in a try to Samoa, the other was a lucky escape.
2 Jack Bostock – 6.5
Another flawless effort from the young Dolphin.
Rewarded with a late try to make it seven tries in just four Tests.
3 Kotoni Staggs – 6.5
Was pushed off for one of Samoa’s tries but overall Staggs was solid if not spectacular.
The fact Latrell didn’t get any game time means Staggs’ spot will be safe going into the final.
4 Bradman Best – 7
Another Kangaroo who did exactly what was asked of him with and without the ball. Scored a try, ran and tackled with effort and energy.
Johnson goes in on semi final officials | 00:32
5 Tom Trbojevic – 6.5
Looking more comfortable with each game. Scored a try, had 11 runs for 101 metres and did his job defensively.
6 Cameron Munster – 8.5
Easily Munster’s most dominant game of the tournament. Really took it to Samoa with his running game. Finished with 15 runs for 116m that included three try assists, a linebreak, two linebreak assists and five tackle busts.
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Hit to Martin’s chin denies Samoa | 00:32
7 Tom Dearden – 8.5
Arguably Australia’s most effective player.
Sparked the Kangaroos to life with a terrific solo try when he sliced through from a scrum in just the seventh minute.
He picked his moments perfectly, knowing when to run and when to feed his outside men after squaring up the attack.
Has well and truly earned the No 7 jumper.
15 Keaon Koloamatangi – 7.5
Brought into the starting team and repaid Kevvie with a terrific first stint. Helped Tino lay the platform up front with some really strong carries and a good offload provided the lead up for Preston’s try.
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Turbo crosses after clinical move | 00:24
9 Harry Grant – 7.5
Sharp performance from the game’s number one hooker. Didn’t overplay his hand with just two runs. But that doesn’t mean he didn’t have a huge impact on the result. Played smart and stayed composed.
10 Tino Fa’asuamaleaui – 7.5
Took the fight to the big Samoan pack from the get-go. There was plenty of questions being asked about the Kangaroos forwards going into this game and big Tino obviously took it personally. Finished with 13 runs for 136m.
11 Jacob Preston – 8
Had a running battle with his Bulldogs teammate Stephen Crichton and came out on top. Scored a try and played a part in another before the break.
Walshy with the wheels and flippin’ cele | 00:32
12 Liam Martin – 7
A typical no-nonsense performance from the tearaway Panther.
13 Isaah Yeo – 7
No frills but rock solid as always. You look at the way Australia stayed calm when Samoa lost their way and it all points back to the calmness of the captain.
14 Ethan Strange – 3
Only entered the game for the final six minutes. No runs and just the two tackles.
8 Pat Carrigan – 7.5
Taken out of the starting team this week to make way for Keaon but Carrigan was great off the bench with a really strong game.
Finished with 16 runs for 138m which was the most of any of the Australian forwards.
16 Cameron Murray – 7.5
Made a huge impact off the bench with his fast play the balls and tremendous energy.
Provided a great offload that created the opening for Bradman Best’s try.
Samoa’s spine-tingling Siva Tau | 00:28
17 Reuben Cotter – 5.5
Only arrived heading into the final quarter when the match was already well and truly decided. Just the three runs for 29m and 12 tackles.
18 Latrell Mitchell – N/A
Didn’t get on the field.
21 Sam Walker – N/A
Didn’t get on the field.