Rugby League World Cup live: Jillaroos 30-14 Fiji, Kangaroos vs Samoa semifinals

I think the primary thing we learned is the class of this team is there, it may have just taken some time to click.

Some of the lessons out of this are made a little less decisive because of Samoa’s performance out there tonight, which was really poor.

But this was another reminder of the brilliance of Reece Walsh, the big-game ability of Cameron Munster and the incisive skills of Tom Dearden.

In fact, the Liam Martin-Tom Dearden alliance in defence may be as good a back rower-half combo as I’ve ever seen.

Coach Kevin Walters has definitely hit on something with starting Keaon Koloamatangi with Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and bringing Pat Carrigan off the bench. Koloamatangi was just so much more impactful and Carrigan was better once some of the initial burst was out of the game.

Jacob Preston was again brilliant with a damaging lines in attack, silky skills with the ball and aggression in defence. I know the Blues have Martin, Hudson Young and Haumole Olakau’atu, but Preston is just such a gun. He surely has to be a State of Origin player next year.

Reece Walsh once again proved his worth despite an error gifting Samoa a try, he was so dangerous in attack and truly is the ultimate X-factor.

If Australia and New Zealand next week put on the sort of performances they produced the past two days we could be in for a glorious World Cup final up in Brisbane.

Samoa reached the final in 2022 and the boys in blue have fallen short of that mark this time around, but every other game has been glorious.

The crowds, the siva tau, the young stars coming through … this is another tournament where Toa Samoa has established itself as one of the big boys of international rugby league.

“Despite the result, it’s still 685 to the world,” captain and front-row stalwart Junior Paulo tells the host broadcaster, referring to Samoa’s international phone code.

“From the start we spoke about it was always for the culture and we wouldn’t change a thing. We’ll ride it until the wheels fall off.

“The future’s in good hands. At the start of this journey we all knew what we were capable of and we were unfortunately not up to that tonight and that’s a credit to the Aussie boys for turning out the way they did.

“We wish them all the best next week.”

The ball is flung around, hits the ground and is soccered around about four times before Jacob Preston falls on it.

Ronald Volkman comes over the top of a prone Preston and smashes him high, prompting the typical response. And he’s lucky to stay on the field. Looked like he might have just stopped himself from throwing one as he stood up there.

The short kick-off is fielded by Tom Trbojevic but Kotoni Staggs is pinged for an escort. After the whistle blows, Jarome Luai just keeps going on with it and drags Turbo 10 metres into touch and then plays the hero when he gets up.

His performance tonight, like Leniu, has been one of those night that makes people question their undeniable ability. It’s especially risky when you’ve got the penalty.

This game might’ve been over at half time, but the Samoan fans are still bringing the energy.

They’ve been extremely lively after Samoa scored both tries, and amongst the near misses too.

The atmosphere hasn’t quite matched what we’ve seen in the other big clashes through this tournament, with the one way traffic making it difficult for the large Samoan supporter base to really get into the game.

The Kangaroos fans will go home very happy and while they haven’t been feverish throughout, they have enjoyed the try fest.

A lot of fans have already started to leave though as they look to beat the traffic home.

Off the penalty the Kangaroos work to the middle then line up out to the left and again the timing is on point to find Jack Bostock untouched out there for another try.

Reece Walsh is rag-dolled by Stephen Crichton and Jermaine McEwen, and Jacob Preston gives a light shove to McEwen, who leaves the tackle to grab him by the collar. And the Kangaroos get a penalty. Silly from McEwen, but not sure it was worth a penalty.

They’ve got the cattle and the skill to throw the ball around and score some points doing it.

After going side to side and all around, Jarome Luai rolls in a grubber for Izack Tago, who offloads to Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow to score.

Referee Adam Gee says no try because of a potential obstruction on Liam Martin.

Oh, the contact is minimal and absolutely oversold by Martin, who was brushed on the chin by Francis Manuleleua’s lead run.

But it’s enough to earn a penalty for obstruction.

Samoa isn’t happy and rightfully so. That’s embarrassing for Liam Martin, one of the toughest blokes in footy. If you’re going to go down like that you should have to go off for an HIA.

Ronald Volkman goes for a 30/20, but it comes up short. It’s almost out on the full but bounces about 5 centimetres inside the touchline.

The high kick goes up for Jack Bostock for a contest with the man he replaced in the Blues line-up, and the smaller Samoan tackles Bostock in the air.

The Kangaroos go on the attack but Cameron Munster’s basketball pass hits the ground and is swooped on by Jarome Luai.

A bit of concern for Jacob Preston after he’s hit low by Stephen Crichton, who slips down and lands on his ankle.

Preston takes a while to get back to his feet but he’s going to carry on.

The Kangaroos are pressing right on the Samoan line and Tom Dearden is ultimately held up by a slew of blue jerseys.

One of them is Jarome Luai, who squeezes Dearden’s head in a textbook grapple tackle.

Dearden has a word as he runs back onside and Luai gives it right back with a smile. Unfortunately the scoreboard isn’t really giving him the leeway to do that sort of thing.

Spencer Leniu came back on from his sin binning just after Reece Walsh’s try and his first offering with ball in hand is knocking it on cold.

This feels like the sort of night you hook him. He’s just lost it and when Leniu loses it, he often can’t get it back.

Harry Grant shakes off his finger concern and skips out of dummy half, going to a short left side to find Reece Walsh, who just spins out of a soft Stephen Crichton tackle to score.

He fends off Brian To’o on the way over and looks like he might have accidentally got him in the eye, so he makes sure to apologise. Respect to Walsh for that.

That was a great heads up play by Grant to identify the short side after Ronald Volkman rushed in as third man in a tackle on a standing Cameron Munster. That missing man created the overlap and Grant exploited it expertly.

Ata Mariota stands in a tackle on his 20m line and gets blindsided by Cam Murray, who knocks the ball loose.

I’m not sure that ball didn’t go backwards from Mariota, but Adam Gee calls a knock-on.

The Kangaroos run it on the last and the ball ultimately ends up with Izack Tago, who’s whacked by Harry Grant from behind.

Grant is down holding a finger and Jarome Luai gets up in his grill, which prompts a confrontation, but it’s much ado about nothing.

We’ve got 40 minutes left at the SFS. Can Samoa fire a shot?

First they’ll have to make it through the first eight or nine minutes of this half without Spencer Leniu.

A ridiculous six again is given away by Spencer Leniu, giving the Kangaroos a full set deep in Samoan territory.

And Cameron Murray makes a bit of magic happen as he sprints out to the left, hits and spins and finds Jacob Preston, who again moves at such pace and perfectly sets up Bradman Best to score his first Test try.

Jack Bostock charges back into Jarome Luai and Jermaine McEwen.

Luai lifts the legs and McEwen takes him up top as Ata Mariota arrives.

It ends with a dangerous lifting tackle by Luai, with Bostock’s head hitting the ground hard.

Reece Walsh is the first man to arrive to pull Luai away. And then everyone comes in. A couple of spot fires erupt, including Bostock flinging the ball at Sua Fa’alogo, but it’s all relatively harmless.

Australia gets the penalty and everyone stays on the field.

The firebrand prop takes a charge and immediately knocks on in the Pat Carrigan tackle.

Kangaroos go straight back on the attack.

The bomb goes up and Cameron Murray goes up in front of Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, who just watches. The ball bounces and is batted back to the right flank where Tom Trbojevic sets sail for the sideline.

But he’s tracked down by Sua Fa’alogo and shoved into touch at the last moment.

Oh. It turns out that was all unnecessary as Murray got a finger to it and knocked on.

Sua Fa’alogo looks elusive, Jermaine McEwen is back and looking powerful in attack.

They work upfield and the bomb is fumbled in the contest between the fullbacks.

It ends up with Liam Martin, but Samoa is penalised for off side anyway.

The short dropout after Jarome Luai’s grubber doesn’t quite go the 10 metres AND Tom Trbojevic drops it, but referee Adam Gee says it did go 10 and the drop went back.

The Kangaroos start their set right on their tryline.

The often effective last-tackle surprise down the short side doesn’t come off for Samoa, so Australia is trucking it off its 10m line.

Bradman Best barrels into the defence, but he’s hit by Jazz Tevaga and blindsided and shortened up Junior Paulo to lose the ball.

The Kangaroos spin it right and Tom Trbojevic pulls off a brilliant bootlaces pick up from a bad Reece Walsh pass.

He grubbers into the in-goal and it holds up, with prop Francis Molo the man who gets back to save a try.

And the short line dropout barely goes 5 metres, much less the necessary 10.

Connelly Lemuelu is penalised for raking the ball from Jack Bostock in a gang tackle. Then Jarome Luai kicks the ball away and referee Adam Gee marches them 10 metres.

That looked like a strip live, but not on replay. I bet they wish they still had their challenge, but alas.

A couple of powerful charges from Kotoni Staggs and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui get the Kangaroos moving forward.

The kick is high but not long and eventually ends up with Sua Fa’alogo in a contest with Jack Bostock.

Stephen Crichton takes the next charge and knocks on!

Crichton tells Jarome Luai to challenge, but there’s no strip and Samoa has lost its challenge early.

Jermaine McEwen is furious as he’s whacked high by Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, leaving the Knights back rower with a bloody nose.

McEwen is calling out the big Kangaroo, but he’s off for an HIA.

Tino is on report.

The tears are flowing for Samoa’s national anthem, sung phenomenally by Deine Mariner’s father, Lapi.

Ronald Volkman, Brian To’o, Junior Paulo … the lot of them, just bawling their eyes out.

You love to see it.

The rain is hammering down and the wind is howling, sending the countless Samoan flags billowing as the teams take to the field for the anthems.

But first, a moment’s silence for Paul Langmack, who died this week aged 61.

Some yahoos are shouting out during the silence, prompting a bemused shake of the head from Cam Munster.

Who will that favour?

If it’s a damp track, the Samoans’ big boppers could have the best of it tonight.

Tonight is officially a sell out with more than 40,000 fans expected.

Most fans are already in their seats here, and they’ve just been treated to an energetic light show.

There’s a huge contingent of Samoan fans in here, flags flying proudly all over the stadium, but there is green and gold sprinkled throughout the stadium too.

And based off the noise factor with the team line ups being announced, it feels like there are more (or at least louder) Samoans in the house!

Hi Mike,

More than concerned, I’m tipping Samoa to win this one tonight.

The biggest advantages I think Australia has are Jack Bostock aerially over Sua Fa’alogo, and Reece Walsh’s ability to create something out of nothing (although Broncos fans have seen the flipside of that plenty of times).

But I have real concerns about Australia’s forward pack against Samoa’s, and the dynamism of the Samoan team all across the park.

We learned our first men’s finalist last night and, despite Tonga’s surge in the international game, it was the Kiwis who stamped their dominance on the game.

Fullback Kalyn Ponga was a huge difference maker in his miraculous return from a broken arm as New Zealand fired a warning shot to Australia and Samoa.

After winning their three group games by a combined 242-6, the Jillaroos have at last been given a real game.

And, according to veteran centre Jess Sergis, it was just what the doctor ordered.

“I think that’s what we needed,” she tells ABC Sport.

“We knew what they were gonna bring. Their line speed, they’ve got big bodies and we felt that.

“We knew it was going to be a tough game and it’s what we needed.”

Sergis is nursing a bruised lip, a corked left buttock and just general soreness after a very physical outing.

Abbi Church was limping on full-time, Jaime Chapman is icing her left hamstring, and god only knows what the forwards are feeling. So the medical staff will have plenty of work to do heading into next week’s final against New Zealand.

After a surprisingly stern test tonight, the Aussies can at long last settle and jog through the finish line.

But the Aussies try one last attack down the right and Abbi Church is eventually brought down, and it looks like she may have hurt her left ankle as the siren sounds.

Hopefully that’s not too serious, especially with Jaime Chapman also icing her left leg.

“To fall or drop.”

That’s a tough one for Losana.

The Jillaroos are going a little easier after establishing this lead but Fiji didn’t get the memo as Luisa Yaranamua rattles Tarryn Aiken with a great shot.

It’s called high, but I’m not sure she made contact with the chin of Aiken.

Her previous cross-field kick had me wondering if it was too deep before Abbi Church arrived. This time, no such luck as the ball floats safely into Fijian hands for a 20m tap and seven-tackle set.

I told you earlier that Jaime Chapman was struggling with that left knee since an early twisting tackle.

It was good to see her come out after cooling down at half-time and get herself on the scorers’ sheet, but now she’s subbed off. Hopefully it’s just precautionary.

Tiana Penitani-Gray is a world-class centre and Jess Sergis is similarly an elite winger, but interestingly it looks like Jess Skinner is sending TPG out to the left wing to keep Sergis and Abbi Church paired up on the right flank.

Jocelyn Kelleher goes to the line with the ball in one hand, shaping to grubber and eventually does. Isabelle Kelly is getting through and seems to be shocked that no-one from Fiji is diving on it.

Maria Paseka eventually gets there, and knocks on the ball around her ankles.

The fans continue to file in here, and you get the sense the Australians will go on with this one.

I don’t want to write off the Bulikula yet, and they’ve been so good at maintaining that defensive intensity, but they’ve not had much of the ball in this half, and as soon as the Jillaroos get a sniff they’re ruthless.

The six-try hero from the triple-digit thrashing of Wales has been kept pretty quiet in this one after an early twist left her needing strapping on her left knee.

But, after a near miss with Maria Paseka juuuuust missing out on an intercept, Chapman dives in down a short left side with no room to move.

And Jocelyn Kelleher has found her radar with the boot, slicing low for a 20-8 lead.

The Jillaroos halfback is showing off her slick skills, this time chipping over the top and hunting for the ball.

She doesn’t get the bounce, but Cassie Staples can’t handle down around her knees and Australia goes right back on the attack.

Fiji’s halfback is having a mare, with two dropped balls with her team surging late in the first half and now she’s rolled a grubber dead for another poor end to a Fijian set.

Her poor performance is being driven home by the worldie being played by halves partner Luisa Yaranamua.

Australia kicks long to start the second half, and immediately cop a penalty.

So Fiji is straight on the attack.

Hello from a chilly Sydney Football Stadium!

After the wild wet and windy conditions in Newcastle for the first men’s and women’s semis last night, it’s looking a bit better here tonight.

It’s pretty cold for November at 17 degrees (and a feels like of 11), but dry for now, although it is quite windy.

We’ve already had one game completed here, with Australia beating New Zealand 42-18 in the final of the Physical Disability World Cup.

A small crowd is currently in here, but as I was heading in there were so many Samoan supporters gathering in the neighbouring Entertainment Quarter for pre-match food and drinks.

The Blue Army will march into the stadium at 6:30pm, and I reckon they’ll outnumber the Kangaroos’ fans.

I’m definitely nervous.

And torn because what a moment it would be if Fiji can pull this off.

Fiji has absolutely aimed up, especially with their defence, and it’s rattling the Jillaroos, who haven’t been properly challenged at any point in this tournament.

But, with completions at 12/19 from Australia, not all of those errors are directly from Fiji’s defence.

Yes, the pressure being applied plays a role, but now that the shock of that start is done, Jess Skinner can hopefully expect her experienced charges to get back to a more controlled performance in the second half.

That will be easier said than done though, especially if the likes of Luisa Yaranamua, Talei Holmes and Loren Ieli keep playing like they have done for the Bulikula.

What a great first half from the Fijians – well and truly testing the three-time defending champions who looked ruffled for most of that half.

Such is their class that they managed to ensure it’s all square at half time with their ability to find the line despite very few forays deep into the Fijians’ territory.

Fiji has enjoyed more possession at the break with 56 per cent, and have completed 80 per cent of sets compared to the Jillaroos’ 63 per cent.

Halves Luisa Yaranamua and Losana Lutu have done a brilliant job of orchestrating things for their side, while some of Australia’s biggest starts including Tamika Upton and Jocelyn Kelleher have had a bit of a mixed bag.

The Bulikula is surging, but halfback Losanna Lutu knocks it on just as the shift to the left was building steam.

Huge let-off for Australia.

Sienna Laing looks certain to score twice on the left flank, but the defence just cuts her down both times.

Tamika Upton and Shaylee Bent the heroes.

And now Upton bats a grubber out of the hands of Isabella Waterman to prevent a third potential try in a matter of seconds.

The Jillaroos’ completion rate after Fiji scored first was 40 per cent, with the visitors at 90 per cent.

Fiji has now dropped to 81 per cent, and it’s provided a small opening for the Australians.

The Jillaroos still aren’t playing their best, but will be buoyed by hanging onto the ball a bit more and finally breaking through for first points.

The Fijians look a bit tired and have started to give up easy metres, allowing the Australians to isolate defenders and break the line. 

Upton’s try could be an ominous sign, they are the best team in the world for a reason.

A majestic ball from Tarryn Aiken unleashes Abbi Church again and, while the defence shuts it down, Aiken keeps the pressure on by rolling in a grubber and forcing a dropout.

Jess Skinner has gone to her bench, introducing Kezie Apps, Keeley Nizza and Keilee Joseph.

They have their first really impactful set of the game as a result, with Abbi Church breaking down the right, but brought down by Taina Naividi and going within centimetres of being put into touch.

Australia is trying to make the sort of defensive statement that Fiji has made early, but the over-commitment is allowing offloads and some quick metres through the middle.

Yet again the Jillaroos start their set on their own tryline and can’t get over halfway.

I can’t remember the last time I saw this happen to the Jillaroos.

This has been a fantastic start from Fiji!

The Jillaroos have steamrolled all comers so far in this tournament, and while there’s still a long way to go in this game, the Fijians have stepped up and are bringing incredibly defensive intensity, plus a sharp long kicking game to start this semi final.

They’ve been rewarded with forcing plenty of uncharacteristic errors from the Australians, and we shouldn’t be too surprised that they’ve scored first since they’ve made a habit of making fast starts throughout this tournament.

The small crowd here is loving seeing a bit of a challenge to the women’s international rugby league establishment.

The defence from Fiji is unbelievable right now.

Jocelyn Kelleher finds the sideline with her kick-off, giving the Jillaroos a perfect attacking platform.

But the defence forces Isabelle Kelly about 15 metres back.

Then Simaima Taufa is hammered by Loren Ieli, and then Tiana Penitani-Gray loses the ball on a short pass from Tarryn Aiken.

The Fijians are right on top here.

The kicking game of Fiji once again forces Australia to truck it off the tryline and the Jillaroos are struggling.

They won’t be helped by a dropped ball from five-eighth Jocelyn Kelleher, who then cops a spray from the Fijians, prompting a bit of push and shove.

The up-and-in defence from Isabella Waterman rushes Tarryn Aiken and forces another fumble.

Australia is under the pump early and Fiji’s defence is aiming up to stop the Jillaroos from getting any sort of momentum too.

Talei Holmes and Sereana Naitokatoka go within centimetres of scoring the opener for Fiji.

Credit the Jillaroos defence for denying them, but Fiji matches with driving defence to make life difficult for Australia getting out of their own territory.

The Bulikula’s first kick of the game is high out to Abbi Church, who decides to take it right next to the sideline before being dumped into touch.

She flicks a pass back in-field and it’s dived on by Fiji.

A little bit of panic maybe from the Jillaroos as the rushing Fijian defence creates a dead end, forcing a u-turn and drawing the error from Millie Elliott.

It’s time for the Noqu Masu of Fiji.

One of the great pre-game traditions in world sport.

The Bulikula and Jillaroos are on the pitch at the Sydney Football Stadium.

How must the Fijians feel ahead of their first World Cup semifinal against the almighty Jillaroos?

Tiana Penitani-Gray is returning for the Jillaroos in the back row after missing last week’s win over Wales with a foot injury.

But neither team is making any late changes this afternoon.