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Australia meet Samoa in Sydney on Sunday 8 November in a rematch of the 2022 World Cup final. Our tip for the Kangaroos’ semi-final, the head to head and the team news.
Australia play Samoa at Allianz Stadium in Sydney on Sunday 8 November in a rematch of the 2022 World Cup final, which Australia won 30-10 at Old Trafford. The Kangaroos won Pool A with three wins from three: New Zealand 24-22, Fiji 36-22 and the Cook Islands 66-6. Samoa beat France 78-4 and PNG 64-6, lost 20-18 to Tonga on Sunday and took second place on the Pools B and C table on points difference from England.
It is the second game of a Sydney double-header, after the Jillaroos play Fiji in the women’s semi-final at 5:45pm AEDT (our Jillaroos vs Fiji tips).
Below are our tip and the angle we like, the head to head, the team news and what is at stake. Every match is on our Rugby League World Cup hub.
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Match Details
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Competition | Rugby League World Cup, men’s semi-final 2 |
| Date | Sunday 8 November 2026 |
| Kick-off | 8:05pm AEDT (7:05pm AEST, 5:05pm AWST) |
| Venue | Allianz Stadium, Sydney |
| Broadcast | Seven and 7plus, free-to-air |
| Coaches | Kevin Walters (Australia), Ben Gardiner (Samoa) |
| Winner plays | New Zealand or Tonga in the final, Suncorp Stadium, Sunday 15 November, 7:35pm AEDT |
Australia vs Samoa Tips & Prediction
Our pick: Australia to win. Australia have won every Test against Samoa, including the 2022 World Cup final 30-10 and 38-12 in Townsville in 2023, and they play this one at home. Samoa look likely to be without five-eighth Chanel Harris-Tavita, who left the Tonga game with a hamstring injury.
The angle we like: Samoa at the line. Australia have not run away from the better sides at this tournament: they beat New Zealand by two and Fiji by 14. Samoa have scored 160 points in three games, more than Australia’s 126, and they lost to Tonga by two after missing three conversions. If bookmakers set Australia a start of two converted tries or more, Samoa with that start is where we will look first.
The odds. We did not have semi-final prices from our bookmakers when this preview was written on Monday 2 November, so our tip carries no price. Compare the head to head and the line across our best NRL betting sites before you bet, and check the team lists first.
Australia vs Samoa Head to Head
Australia have won every Test between the sides. The three most recent:
| Date | Result | Venue | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 2023 | Australia 38-12 Samoa | Townsville | Pacific Championships |
| November 2022 | Australia 30-10 Samoa | Old Trafford, Manchester | World Cup final |
| November 2017 | Australia 46-0 Samoa | Darwin | World Cup quarter-final |
Form at this World Cup
Australia beat New Zealand 24-22 in the opener (result), Fiji 36-22 in Brisbane (result) and the Cook Islands 66-6 in Townsville (result), with hat-tricks to Tom Trbojevic and Jack Bostock.
Samoa beat France 78-4, their biggest World Cup win (result), and PNG 64-6 in Port Moresby (result), then lost 20-18 to Tonga at CommBank Stadium on Sunday (result). Brian To’o scored two tries in that game, but Samoa kicked one conversion from four and had a late Sualauvi Fa’alogo try ruled out.
Australia vs Samoa Team News
Semi-final teams are due early in the week, and coaches can make changes up to an hour before kick-off, so check the late mail on the day.
Australia: team news
Mitchell Moses is out of the tournament with the leg muscle tear he suffered in the opener, and Ethan Strange replaced him in the squad. Cameron Murray, a late withdrawal against the Cook Islands, is expected to be fit, and Reece Walsh says he is fine after hurting his foot in Townsville. Isaah Yeo captains the side.
Samoa: team news
Chanel Harris-Tavita came off midway through the second half against Tonga with a hamstring injury and is reported unlikely to play. Ronald Volkman, who replaced him and scored a try, is the obvious cover. Captain Junior Paulo was placed on report for a shoulder charge on Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, so check the judiciary outcome early in the week.
What Is at Stake
The winner plays in the final at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on Sunday 15 November at 7:35pm AEDT, against the winner of New Zealand v Tonga in Newcastle on Saturday 7 November (our Kiwis vs Tonga tips).
Australia have won the World Cup 12 times, including the last three, and are chasing a fourth title in a row. Samoa reached their first final in 2022 and lost it to Australia.
Australia vs Samoa Betting Markets
- Head to head: the match winner, with golden point extra time if it is level at full time.
- Line: a points start for the underdog, usually the better market when the head-to-head price is short.
- Total points: over or under a set number of combined points.
- Try scorers: first, last and anytime try scorer markets on both squads.
- Same game multi: a result, margin and try scorers in one bet. See our same game multi guide.
Compare prices across our best NRL betting sites, which all price the World Cup.
#AD 18+ T&Cs Apply Imagine what you could be buying instead. For free & confidential support call 180 0858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au
18+ T&C's Apply. What are you really gambling with? Chances are you're about to lose. Set a Deposit Limit For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au
18+ T&C's Apply. What are you really gambling with? Chances are you're about to lose. Set a Deposit Limit For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au
18+ T&C's Apply. What are you really gambling with? Chances are you're about to lose. Set a Deposit Limit For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au
#AD 18+ T&Cs Apply Imagine what you could be buying instead. For free & confidential support call 180 0858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au
18+ T&C's Apply. What are you really gambling with? Chances are you're about to lose. Set a Deposit Limit For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au
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Australia vs Samoa FAQs
When is Australia vs Samoa at the Rugby League World Cup?
Sunday 8 November 2026 at Allianz Stadium in Sydney, kicking off at 8:05pm AEDT, after the Jillaroos play Fiji in the women’s semi-final at 5:45pm.
What is the Australia vs Samoa head to head?
Australia have won every Test between the sides, including the 2022 World Cup final 30-10 and 38-12 in Townsville in October 2023.
Who will win Australia vs Samoa?
Our pick is Australia. Samoa’s attack has been strong, so Samoa at the line is the market we will look at first.
Is Chanel Harris-Tavita playing for Samoa?
He is reported unlikely to play after hurting his hamstring against Tonga. Ronald Volkman replaced him in that game.
Who does the winner play in the final?
The winner of New Zealand v Tonga in Newcastle on Saturday 7 November. The final is at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on Sunday 15 November at 7:35pm AEDT.
Where can I watch Australia vs Samoa?
Live and free on Seven and 7plus in Australia.
More Rugby League World Cup Coverage
- Kiwis vs Tonga semi-final tips
- Jillaroos vs Fiji semi-final tips
- Kiwi Ferns vs Samoa semi-final tips
- Tonga 20-18 Samoa: result
- Australia 66-6 Cook Islands: result
- Every World Cup winner
- Results and ladder
- Schedule and TV guide
- Squads
- The final
- Rugby League World Cup hub: schedule, ladder and tips
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