Australia’s Rugby League World Cup semi-final against Samoa is being billed as a contest that could be decided by the two full-backs, with Reece Walsh and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow identified as the players most capable of changing the game in an instant.
Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters has chosen Walsh to start on Sunday after weighing up the 24-year-old against veteran James Tedesco throughout the tournament. His selection sets up a direct duel with Tabuai-Fidow, Samoa’s Dolphins star.
Former NRL player and Channel 7 expert James Graham said the two full-backs could prove decisive if their forwards create opportunities for them to attack.
“Both of those players when they’re at their absolute best can win a game in a moment, and that’s what these games are going to come down to,” Graham said.
He added: “You hold your own in the forwards, you look to take advantage and then get the ball to your best players and let them take advantage of the opportunities created around them.”
Samoa will be seeking revenge for their defeat by Australia in the final of the previous tournament, held in England. Graham believes their performance against Tonga, despite ending in defeat, will have strengthened their belief ahead of the semi-final.
He said Samoa would know they had created enough chances in that match to trouble Australia, and would feel capable of improving sufficiently to challenge the defending finalists.
“Internally they will be feeling they’ve got their number, but belief is a funny thing in sport,” Graham said. “Samoa, Tonga, Australia and New Zealand will all believe if they play at their best they win.”
The quality of the final four has made both semi-finals difficult to predict, with Tonga facing New Zealand in the other match. Graham said the intensity shown by Samoa and Tonga suggested the remaining sides could push the favourites all the way.
For Australia and Samoa, however, attention will centre on whether Walsh or Tabuai-Fidow can seize the crucial moment and carry their nation into the World Cup final.
