Australian Schools win big over Samoan Schools

A dominant 80-7 win over Samoan Schools at St. Paul’s Collegiate School in Hamilton on Tuesday has set up the Australian Schools for the final match of their tour.

Having won two of their four matches so far, the Australian Schools side will look to end its tour on a high when they face New Zealand Schools at Auckland Grammar on Saturday 6 October.

Tuesday’s game saw the Australians open their account early, with a try in only the fourth minute after Jim Stewart broke two tackles to offload to Andrew Robinson who, after juggling the ball scored in the corner. Tom Wilson converted from the sideline for an early 7-0 lead.

A penalty awarded within kicking range from a Samoan high tackle allowed Wilson to take his team to 10-0 and seven minutes later Jake McIntyre showed great vision to cut out two players and create an overlap for John Porch to cross the line. Wilson added the extras again for a 17-0 lead.

Samoa attempted to break the Australian line but were unable to penetrate on a number of occasions and in the 26th minute a strong scrum set the platform for Australia’s Jack Tuttle to get over the gain line and set up Lolo Fakaosilea for another five-pointer.

Wilson was again solid with the boot and kicked truly to get the Australians out to a 24-0 lead.

The final five minutes of the half saw Porch and Michael Gunn both cross the Samoan’s line, with Wilson on song with the boot to take the Australians into half time with a 38-0 lead.

The second half started with the Samoans turning over the ball from the restart and after a good platform from the forwards, Jonah Placid scored and Wilson added another conversion to take it to 45-0.

Shortly afterwards a loose ball was toed through by Jack Dempsey and Tepai Moeroa chased through to ground the ball. Wilson’s conversion extended the score to 52-0.

Two minutes later Robinson crossed for his second before Samoa’s Matini Talapusi secured his side’s only try of the match to take the score to 59-7.

Before the close of the match, Australia scored a further three times through Wilson, Robinson (hat trick) and Moeroa. Porch added two conversions late in the afternoon to see the Australians record a solid 80-7 victory.

The Australian Schools will finish its tour against New Zealand Schools on 6 October, a match which will be broadcast live on Fox Sports 3HD & 3.

Australian Schools 80 – Samoan Schools 7
Australian Schools tries - Michael Gunn, Lolo Fakaosilea, Jonah Placid, Tepai Moreoa (2), Andrew Robinson (3), Tom Wilson, John Porch (2).
Australian Schools conversions – Wilson (9), Porch (2).
Australian Schools penalty goal – Wilson.
Samoan Schools try - Matini Talapusi.
Samoan Schools conversion – Talapusi.

Australian Schools side vs Samoan Schools

 Reserves

Staff

Australian Schools Tour Schedule 2012