18 Jul 2011

Sport: Manu Samoa claim historic victory over Australia

6:17 am on 18 July 2011

Manu Samoa claimed their biggest ever international scalp with a stunning 32-23 upset victory over Australia in Sydney on Sunday.

The visitors raced out to a 17-0 lead inside half an hour through tries to UK based duo Alesana Tuilagi and Paul Williams.

A yellow card for lock Daniel Leo allowed the Wallabies back into the match through Digby Ioane but second half touchdowns to Kane Thompson and Tusi Pisi ensured Samoa held on for their first ever victory over the two-time world cup champions.

Team Manager Matthew Vaea says after a disappointing Pacific Nations Cup campaign this result is a huge boost for the team and its world cup preparations.

"It just lifts the morale. I think the people who are fundraising and looking for avenues to support this team for world cup, this result today is just a huge motivator for our people and I think it creates a lot of belief in what the team potentially can do. Obviously we're still a fair way away from the world cup but to have a result early in the piece against the number two in the world it's certainly a positive outcome for us."

Manu Samoa will complete their world cup build-up with two home matches against the Western Force next month.

Australia have no time to lick their wounds as they open their Tri Nations campaign against South Africa on Saturday.