Rugby World Cup 2019: Wallabies overcome Samoa in nervy warm-up test

The Wallabies have completed their Rugby World Cup preparations with an unconvincing 34-15 win over Samoa at Bankwest Stadium in Sydney on Saturday. 

Australia had a 19-point halftime lead lashed to seven on the hour after two tries in eight minutes to Manu Samoa replacement back Dwayne Polataivao.

But winger Dane Haylett-Petty ensured Samoa wouldn't stun the Wallabies, as he scored their fifth try with 10 minutes remaining.

Inside centre Matt Toomua then crossed after the siren, to inflate the margin before 16,091 spectators.

The Wallabies scored six tries to two, but after some good passages of play in the first half, they struggled to sustain pressure and produce try-scoring opportunities until deep in the second spell.

Wallabies coach Michael Cheika described it as a really good hit-out.

"Our first half was good, I think the second half we just didn't build enough," Cheika said.

Australia tested their depth before heading to Japan with only three members of the starting line-up intact following the Wallabies 36-0 loss to New Zealand last month.

The return of flanker David Pocock for his first game since March was a highlight.

He logged an encouraging hour of game time, setting up the first try to lock Adam Coleman, having a few seconds earlier pounced on awayward Samoan lineout throw.

"It was good to be back out there, physical, there will be some sore bodies tomorrow, but enjoyable." Pocock said.

Coleman hurt a thumb in the second half, but Cheika said there was no sign of serous damage.

Cheika was pleased with the form of recalled halves Will Genia and Bernard Foley and said flanker Lukhan Salakaia-Loto had one of his best games for the season.

Pocock and No.8 Jack Dempsey who has also missed much of the season through injury, were both industrious while winger Marika Koroibete and Toomua were the backline standouts.

The most memorable five-pointer came from man-of-the-match Koroibete, who displayed a mixture of speed, strength and footwork to cut inside and out and beat three defenders on a 40m run to the line.

The Fijian-born former NRL player also set up Salakaia-Loto's try, while veteran centre Adam Ashley-Cooper notched Australia's other first-half try off a well-weighted stab kick from Toomua.

Australia led 22-3 after limiting Samoa to a Tusi Pisi penalty, but the Pacific Islanders rallied after the breakthrough Polataivao's brace.

Samoa also made their presence felt physically with Foley copping one big hit during his disappointing night with the boot, kicking just two of six conversions.

While the match was a valuable warm-up it also served a farewell for a quartet of stalwarts playing their final test in Australia - Pocock, Genia, hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau and prop Sekope Kepu.

AAP 

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