Australia’s do-or-die semifinal clash with Samoa is set to be a “battle of the full-backs” with Reece Walsh and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow tipped to decide which nation makes it to the Rugby League World Cup decider.
Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters’ biggest headache this tournament has been the unenviable task of selecting between veteran star James Tedesco and young excitement machine Reece Walsh.
Walters has backed Walsh to start in Sunday’s semifinal, bringing the 24-year-old into direct competition with Samoan heavyweight and Dolphins star Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow.
And former NRL star and Channel 7 expert James Graham says the match-up could decide the contest.
“The battle of the full-backs, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Reece Wash, both of those players when they’re at their absolute best can win a game in a moment, and that’s what these games are going to come down to,” he told The West Australian.
“You hold your own in the forwards, you look to take advantage and then get the ball to your best players and let them take advantage of the opportunities created around them.
“There’s no secret that it’s Tabuai-Fidow and Reece Walsh for Australia.”
Samoa will be seeking revenge after falling to Australia in the final of the last tournament held in England.
And Graham said after a strong performance against Tonga, despite defeat, the Samoans will fancy their chances.
“Inside that dressing room, you’re disappointed that you lost but you’re actually aware that you left a couple of opportunities out there, you scored more tries than the opposition, and if you can rinse and repeat and just make a slight improvement they’ll believe they can push Australia all the way,” he said.
“Internally they will be feeling they’ve got their number, but belief is a funny thing in sport.
“Samoa, Tonga, Australia and New Zealand will all believe if they play at their best they win, which is great for the build-up to any contest.”
Tonga, New Zealand, Australia and Samoa, the final four, have produced strong tournaments to date, and all hold hopes of being crowned champions.
In fact, the competition is so tight, Graham can’t split them.
“I think the anticipation and excitement for the semifinals is through the roof, and you’ve got to give credit to all the players from every nation and the supporters that have gone into building this,” he said.
“It’s been phenomenal to witness, and I think we’ve got two semifinals that are really difficult for anyone to pick a winner.
“We know who the favourites are going to be. If you look at the intensity of last weekend’s game against Samoa and Tonga, if they can repeat that level of intensity, they’ll push the Kiwis and Australians all the way.”
For New Zealand, Graham said Kalyn Ponga’s x-factor could be all that separates them from Tonga, even as he plays through a broken arm he sustained in the Kiwis’ World Cup opener.
“Kalyn Ponga, this is how much it means to him. He’s rushed himself back from that broken forearm, and he is the man when it comes to New Zealand,” he said.
“He’ll go into that game knowing he could reinjure it. I’m sure Newcastle would love to see him have another week or two in the physio room, but that’s not possible, and he’s made the call; he wants to come back, which is a great statement for the international game.
“They’ve got arguably the best pack on paper, but again, those moments- who’s going to take advantage of those? For me, it’s him”
“Then for Tonga, this phenomenal forward pack have been playing at an intensity that not many people have ever witnessed.
“Their main man is their No.7 (Isaiya Katoa), and he’s the man who’s unlocked their attack, and when it comes to the crunch, he’s that moments player.”
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