Sean Long hopes Samoa find big game against Australia
Thursday 16 November 2017 11:38, UK
Samoa assistant coach Sean Long is hoping the Pacific Islanders can find a first big performance of the World Cup when they take on holders Australia in the opening quarter-final in Darwin on Friday.
The Samoans got through to the knockout stages by the skin of their teeth, claiming qualification ahead of Scotland on points difference after losing to New Zealand and Tonga and being held to a 14-14 draw by the Bravehearts.
"We've been in a tough group," said Long, the former Great Britain half-back who has been right hand man to Samoa coach Matt Parish since the last World Cup in 2013.
"We've had Tonga, who've recruited well, and obviously New Zealand and Scotland, where we rested a few players.
"We didn't underestimate them but full credit to Scotland they had a real dig at us. Luckily we got the draw.
"It's not gone the way we wanted to so far but there's always a big game in our team. You never now, it could be this weekend."
Meanwhile, Parish has responded to criticism from Ireland, who failed to reach the last eight despite winning two of their three group games.
"They would have got flogged if they played in our group," Parish said.
Parish brings back captain Frank Pritchard and Castleford half-back Ben Roberts for the quarter-final, while Australia recall Billy Slater, Josh Dugan, Michael Morgan, Will Chambers, Josh McGuire and Tyson Frizell, who all sat out their final group game against Lebanon.
It promises to be a special occasion for Chambers, who comes from the Northern Territory, while Super League referee Phil Bentham will be part of history by taking charge of the first Test match to be held in Darwin.
Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga said: "This is a quarter-final and we have named what we believe is our strongest possible team for the occasion.
"We understand that Samoa will be desperate to play well so we are making sure we do everything possible with our preparation to be successful."
