Four years after Samoa was crushed in the World Cup final by Australia, captain Junior Paulo says he is desperate to avenge the loss and pull off the nation’s greatest win against the Kangaroos at Allianz Stadium on Sunday.
“To lose a grand final like that … I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t burning for the guys who were there,” Paulo said of that 30-10 defeat at Old Trafford in 2022.
There’s been a few changes to the Samoan team in that time. Josh Papali’i has retired and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has gone from playing fullback to switching codes and joining the Wallabies.
But the bulk of Samoa’s backline remains, including five-eighth and co-captain Jarome Luai, winger Brian To’o and centre Stephen Crichton. As does Spencer Leniu, who will again be injected off the bench to provide some spark and power.
Paulo, the 32-year-old 123kg wrecking-ball, said victory over Kevin Walters’ Kangaroos would rank among the country’s greatest feats.
“It’s a privilege to be in this position for us,” he said. “It’s an opportunity to be a part of history and hopefully what can be one of the biggest upsets.”
Paulo said fatigued would not be an issue, despite Samoa’s gruelling 20-18 defeat to Tonga being played 24 hours after the Kangaroos proved far too good for Karmichael Hunt’s Cook Islands.
“We’ve had a good couple of days just to emotionally regulate [after the] immense pressure that came with the game as well,” Paulo said.
One area where Samoa will likely attack the Kangaroos is through the middle.
New Zealand smashed Australia up front in their narrow 24-22 loss in the tournament opener, while Fiji and the Cook Islands also physically put Walters’ side under huge pressure.
Former Kangaroos playmaker Luke Keary described Australia’s struggles in the middle as “concerning”.
But Paulo downplayed the Kangaroos’ Achilles heel.
“There’s still a quality forward pack right across the park,” he said.
Meanwhile, Australia centre Kotoni Staggs claims his decision not to sing the national anthem comes from a place of respect.
Staggs and several fellow Australia team members have been criticised throughout the tournament because of their refusal to sing the pre-game anthem.
The Brisbane centre received the backing of Broncos teammate Patrick Carrigan for his stance.
Staggs, who has won nine caps for Australia since his debut in 2023, said: “I’m a proud Wirajudri boy and I’m proud of who I am and where I come from and me not singing an anthem doesn’t mean that I’m not grateful.
“I still love wearing that jersey, when the anthem is getting played you look around and get emotional.
“But me not singing, it’s a whole different meaning to that and that’s just me.”
Staggs said his position on singing Advance Australia Fair came from a position of wanting to honour his ancestors.
“Obviously in the past and what happened back in the day I’ve just learned from that,” Staggs said.
“You also talk to your elders from back home and grandparents and stuff like and [understand] what they had to go through, it’s more of a respect for my elders and my family.
“I’m a proud Australian as well but at the end of the day it’s just something that I’ve lived by, and I’ve got no harm in it. It doesn’t take anything away from the jersey I wear.”
Criticism of Staggs and other Indigenous Kangaroos stars, including Latrell Mitchell, is nothing new.
Former Australian Test coach Mal Meninga previously defended players for their firm stance on the matter.
Carrigan said athletes should have the right to stand up for what they believe in.
“As sports people there’s a focus on us as role models but it probably points to a greater conversation for us to have as a society outside of football,” Carrigan said.
“And about the reason why the boys feel the way about the anthem and perhaps our history as a country too.
“I know that each and every boy here is proud to pull on the green and gold.
“People may say it’s represented in singing an anthem. I love Australia and I’m proud to pull on this jersey and I love running out with these guys too.”
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