Reece Walsh gets Australia full-back nod ahead of James Tedesco for World Cup semi-final against Samoa

Reece Walsh will start at full-back ahead of James Tedesco in Australia’s Rugby League World Cup semi-final against Samoa, with Kevin Walters retaining the side that beat the Cook Islands.

Tedesco is named on the six-player interchange bench for Sunday’s match at Allianz Stadium in Sydney. Latrell Mitchell returns to the bench after missing Australia’s final group game.

Reece Walsh keeps his place as Australia name unchanged starting side

Walters has kept faith with the starting 13 from Saturday’s 66-6 victory in Townsville, according to the official Kangaroos team announcement.

That means Cameron Munster and Tom Dearden continue in the halves, while Bradman Best and Kotoni Staggs retain the centre positions.

Walters expects a demanding contest against Samoa following their narrow defeat by Tonga.

“We’ve got to meet the occasion with our best performance of the tournament,” he said.

Tedesco and Mitchell among Australia’s bench options

Tedesco wears number 19, with Mitchell listed at 18. Ethan Strange, Keaon Koloamatangi, Cameron Murray and Reuben Cotter complete the interchange selections.

The selection leaves Walters with both Tedesco and Mitchell available without changing the backline that started against the Cook Islands.

Australia team to face Samoa

Starting XIII: Reece Walsh; Jack Bostock, Kotoni Staggs, Bradman Best, Tom Trbojevic; Cameron Munster, Tom Dearden; Patrick Carrigan, Harry Grant, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Jacob Preston, Liam Martin, Isaah Yeo (captain).

Interchange: Ethan Strange, Keaon Koloamatangi, Cameron Murray, Reuben Cotter, Latrell Mitchell, James Tedesco.

Reserves: Lindsay Smith, Sam Walker, Blayke Brailey.

Samoa name Tabuai-Fidow, Luai and Crichton

Samoa have named Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow at full-back, with Jarome Luai partnering Ronald Volkman in the halves.

Stephen Crichton and Izack Tago start in the centres, while Brian To’o and Sualauvi Fa’alogo are on the wings. Junior Paulo captains the side from the front row.

The published semi-final team lists also name Spencer Leniu, Jazz Tevaga and Shawn Blore among Samoa’s interchange options.

When is Australia vs Samoa?

Australia face Samoa at Allianz Stadium on Sunday 8 November, with kick-off at 9.05am GMT, or 8.05pm local time.

The winners will advance to the World Cup final. New Zealand and Tonga contest the other semi-final in Newcastle the previous day.

Our Rugby League World Cup semi-finals guide has the venues and UK timings for the knockout matches.