With the wind and rain making life difficult for both sides, it was far from a classic encounter. However, Australia had too much power and know-how to allow the Samoans to build on their impressive displays in the pool stages of the competition.

Flyhalf Quade Cooper handed Australia the lead after five minutes with a penalty from 15 metres and four minutes later his side drove a lineout to within a metre of the line before the Samoans were penalised again. Cooper struck an upright from 20 metres with the resultant penalty to enable Samoa to clear their lines. However, the Australian defence stayed firm and increased their lead nine minutes from the interval through a penalty try.

The Australian fly half converted and continued to dictate from pivot, although the backs outside him struggled in the increasingly difficult conditions.
The first half finished with Australia, whose title hopes ended with a late charge down try against England last weekend, on top at 10-0.
It was the same story in the early minutes of the second half with Cooper kicking another penalty to increase his side’s lead before centre Rowan Kellam crossed for a 61st minute try.

Two minutes later Australia were 27 points to the good courtesy of a converted try from prop Ben Daley, before a further try from giant wing Ratu Nasiganiyavi in the 80th minute completed a solid victory in the tough, wet conditions.

The Australians now face France in the 5th Place Playoff at Cardiff Arms Park on Sunday.

Australia Coach Brian Melrose said that the team had bounced back from the England defeat in positive fashion. "There were some pretty disappointed boys this week after the England defeat, but they have struck back well against a formidable side,” said Melrose. “Now, we have to prove it again on Sunday in what should be an exciting game because both sides like to play rugby the right way. “We need to realise at least some of our expectations and that means winning the game on Sunday."

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