Australia Beat Samoa 44-12 in World Cup Semi-Final Amid Officiating Controversy

Samoa fell 44-12 to Australia in their Rugby League World Cup semi-final at Allianz Stadium on Sunday, after video officials denied two tries and referees awarded four additional penalties to the Kangaroos on a wet night.

Australia advanced to another tournament final following the 32-point victory. The wet conditions at Allianz Stadium set the stage for a physical contest that quickly descended into officiating controversy.

Stephen Crichton had a first-half try disallowed when video official Chris Butler ruled that Francis Manuleleua knocked the ball into Reece Walsh. Roosters coach Trent Robinson disagreed with the decision while speaking on Seven commentary, calling the play a clear knock-back. A second-half Samoan try was also overturned after on-field referee Adam Gee ruled that Manuleleua obstructed Liam Martin, a decision the Bunker upheld.

Shaun Johnson voiced sharp criticism of the match officials after the defeat. “I don’t want to take anything away from what the Aussies produced but I can’t help but have this frustration around how the game was officiated,” Johnson said. He added that Gee made confusing calls and gave Australia the rub of the green throughout the match.

Johnson also pointed to the limitations of current video review protocols. “What I can’t understand is going to someone who has all the technology at their disposal and overturning a call or giving an explanation on a call … that’s just incorrect,” he stated. He stated, “I feel like Samoa were hard done by.”

Jarome Luai shared similar frustrations regarding the penalty count and the team’s discipline. “We didn’t get many calls that first half, got one sent to the bin,” Luai told Triple M. Spencer Leniu was sin binned for dissent just before halftime, compounding Samoa’s disciplinary issues.

Luai noted, “I’m not saying it was his fault, it was probably discipline.” He added, “It is what it is, sometimes you get what you deserve and sometimes you don’t.” Samoa’s ill-discipline derailed any hopes of a second-straight RLWC final birth.

Head coach Ben Gardiner noted that his side struggled to recover after falling behind in the penalty count. Gardiner stated that Australia received home-ground calls from the officials, while acknowledging that his team failed to react well to the whistle.

Gardiner remarked, “It’s physical, there’s push and shove, you stand your ground.” When asked about refereeing issues, Gardiner told the media, “You guys saw the game, you report on it.”

A wave of frustration swept through the Samoa camp following the exit, with players and supporters questioning the consistency of the officiating. The controversial decisions left a bitter taste as the team reflected on their campaign.

Samoa missed out on a second Rugby League World Cup final appearance, while Australia moves forward to contest the tournament’s final match.

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