Rugby League World Cup LIVE updates: Dearden punishes Samoa to give Kangaroos lead

In tonight’s earlier match, the Jillaroos booked themselves a date with New Zealand in next weekend’s women’s World Cup.

Thanks to four tries from winger Abbi Church, Australia overcame a spirited display against Fiji to run out 30-14.

They will take on New Zealand, who hammered Samoa 32-0 yesterday.

In a late change for the Kangaroos, Kevin Walters has promoted Keaon Koloamatangi to the starting side, replacing Pat Carrigan. While Samoan coach Ben Gardiner has named Jazz Tevaga at hooker over Benaiah Ioelu.

Earlier in the week, Walters kept faith in the Queensland spine, naming Reece Walsh at fullback over James Tedesco, so it will be a Walsh-Munster-Dearden-Grant Kangaroos spine. But can they click?

TEAMS

1. Reece Walsh 2. Jack Bostock 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Bradman Best 5. Tom Trbojevic 6. Cameron Munster 7. Tom Dearden 15. Keaon Koloamatangi 9. Harry Grant 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 11. Jacob Preston 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo (c) 8. Patrick Carrigan 14. Ethan Strange 16. Cameron Murray 17. Reuben Cotter 18. Latrell Mitchell 21. Sam Walker 22. Blayke Brailey

1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Brian To’o 3. Izack Tago 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Sualauvi Faalogo 6. Ronald Volkman 7. Jarome Luai (c) 8. Francis Molo 14. Jazz Tevaga 10. Junior Paulo (c) 11. Connelly Lemuelu 12. Jermaine McEwen 13. Francis Manuleleua 9. Benaiah Ioelu 15. Spencer Leniu 16. Shawn Blore 17. Ata Mariota 18. Clayton Faulalo 19. Deine Mariner 20. Pasami Saulo

Hello and welcome to the Herald’s live coverage of the second Rugby League World Cup semi-final between Australia and Samoa. Kick-off is 8.05pm AEDT.

I’m Christy Doran, and I’ll be with you this evening bringing you all action from Allianz Stadium.