George Stowers and Alesana Tuilagi, familiar names to followers of the Premiership led the way as every single member of the Samoan side won the physical confrontation and forced the Wallabies, who had rested several players, on to the back foot.
The joy was evident at the final whistle as the enormity of the result sank home and Australia were left to reflect perhaps on a first quarter when they did enjoy some territory and possession but opted to kick for the corners when easy penalty points were on offer.
And the Wallabies paid the price when a turnover on the Samoan 22 saw Mapusua flick the ball between his legs Tuilagi run the length of the field to score.
Paul Williams added a second when he charged down a kick from rookie half back Nick Phipps although the Wallabies hauled themselves back into contention to trail only 17-10 at half time with Samoa down to 14 men thanks to Dan Leo's yellow card.
The second half, however, saw the Samoans continue to pile the pressure on to the home side and tries from Thompson and Pisi extended the lead.
In the face of heroic Samoan defence, the Wallabies looked to be running up blind alleys until replacement lock Scott Higginbotham superbly conjured up a score for Matt Giteau which narrowed the gap to 32-23 but it was as close as they got.
 |
| Eliota celebrates with his team mates as the Wallabies watch on |
| (c) Getty Images |
