Kangaroos strike first in rain-swept Samoa semi-final
Dearden's try in the eighth minute gave Australia an early lead in their Rugby League World Cup semi-final.
Rain poured onto Allianz Stadium as the Kangaroos and Samoa faced off in their World Cup semi-final, their Siva Tau ritual playing out in the downpour. The pair came face-to-face during the intense pre-match exchange.
In the opening tackle, a Kangaroos player was hit hard by five Samoan defenders. Samoa's early penalty goal gave them a 2-0 lead.
Halfback Tom Dearden punched through in the eighth minute, cutting 20 metres to score untouched and hand the Kangaroos the advantage.
- Eighth minute
- Dearden try minute
- Allianz Stadium, Sydney
- Stadium
- 20 years old
- Garuccio age
- 2-0
- Early Samoa lead
Why it mattersThis semi-final determines who advances to the Rugby League World Cup final; the other team's campaign ends here.
