We did it in the first half, says coach Meninga
Toa Samoa scored two tries in the Rugby League World Cup final in Manchester yesterday morning, but were unable to stop a dominant Australian side from winning the title.
After leading 14-0 at halftime, Australia went on to win 30-10.
Samoa were the first Pacific Island team to reach the final in the tournament’s history, but after a solid start they were no match for Australia, as the holders ran in six tries on their way to yet another World Cup crown.
Australia have now won nine titles from the last 10 Rugby League World Cups.
Kangaroos head coach Mal Meninga said: “The first half for us was exceptional, I thought we did everything we needed to do.
“The second half we scrambled well defensively, one man down and we scored some points while that happened.
“Just the mark of a great footy team, committed to each other, and really happy for the boys. James Tedesco was our everywhere man, he led the side really well through the week.”
Two early tries from Latrell Mitchell and James Tedesco set Australia on course to continue their domination of the competition.
Liam Martin’s third try of the tournament, after a sustained spell of Samoa pressure, gave the holders a 14-0 lead which they held until the break, before another converted try from Cameron Murray in the second half put Australia in total control.
To their credit, the Samoans did not give up and nearly brought the house down when Brian To’o deservedly got them on the scoresheet with a well-worked try, getting fans dreaming of a remarkable comeback.
The Kangaroos quickly dashed any such hopes with another try, a second of the game from Tedesco, before Samoa did have one more memory to take home from a memorable tournament as Stephen Crichton intercepted the ball and crossed the line.
Mitchell had the final say for the brilliant Kangaroos with another fine try in the final minute, ensuring that since 1972 Australia have only returned from one World Cup without the trophy in their hands.
“From the start, we’ve been aiming to build to where we wanted to get to and we’re reaping the rewards for the sacrifices players have made,” Samoan captain Junior Paulo said.
“We spoke about it during the week, giving ourselves every chance at the end of this game.
“We knew that whatever happened, we were all going to be able to lift our heads up and be proud.
“That’s all I wanted for these men.
“It’s a special bunch and unfortunately the journey comes to an end and we all go our separate ways.”