Overview
- Samoa enter the semi-final with a strong desire to avenge their 2022 final loss to Australia and say that motivation is front of mind for the squad.
- The team is preparing after a narrow 20-18 defeat to Tonga that coaches and players say has required an emotional and physical reset.
- Captain Junior Paulo and other leaders stress the side is still improving and believe their best performances are ahead as combinations settle.
- Samoa plan to target Australia up the middle after critics flagged the Kangaroos’ forward struggles, though Paulo cautioned that Australia still have quality across the pack.
- Off-field tensions continue around anthem choices, with Australia centre Kotoni Staggs refusing to sing and receiving public backing from teammates, a debate the teams say they are managing alongside match preparation.