A hefty Samoan outfit has walked off with a 24-6 victory over the PNG Kumuls in Sydney this evening.
The Samoans got off to a terrific start at Leichhardt Oval under lights when Jarome Luai took advantage of spacing in the Kumuls’ ruck, sliding over for his team’s first try of the match.
Jamayne Isaako converted for a 6-point lead four minutes into the 2019 Ox & Palm Pacific Test Invitational match.
The monster Samoan forward pack kept battering the PNG defense but superb performance by the Kumuls kept them at bay until 20 minutes into the match when Josh Aloiai once again capitalises on gaps within the Kumuls’ line.
The 23-year-old deftly avoided oncoming defenders for the Samoans’ second try.
Isaako then ensured his team stayed ahead by 12 points.
The Kumuls then started hitting back hard until debutant Terry Wapi cracks the Samoan defense for PNG’s first try.
Rhyse Martin converted to close the gap by 6 points.
The teams went for break with the scoreline at 12-6.
Second half saw the PNG side hit hard at the Samoan defense.
Aggression and energy almost paid off for the Kumuls, with Wapi crossing over but getting held up by towering Samoan defenders. A few minutes later, Stanton Albert flies over the Samoan line again only to be ruled a ‘no try’ due to a knock-on.
Sixty-five minutes in and Junior Paulo lumbers through three defenders for a 16-6 lead.
Another conversion saw the Samoans widen the margin by 12 points.
With four minutes left on the timer, five-eighth Chanel Harris-Tavita scores off his own field goal attempt.
Isaako sealed the Samoan’s win with his conversion, leaving the scores at 24-6.
(The PNG Kumuls warming up before their match – Picture: PNGRFL)