Kangaroos intent on averting league record Steve Zemek With a proud 60-year streak on the line, the Kangaroos say they have a responsibility to make the Four Nations rugby league final. The Australians go into their do-or-die clash with Samoa in Wollongong on Sunday knowing a loss would spark debate about whether the 2014 Australian team were the worst in six decades. The last time Australia failed to make the final of a tournament was the inaugural World Cup in 1954. After an upset loss to New Zealand and a 16-12 win over England on Sunday, the Kangaroos could miss the final even with a win over Samoa. The tournaments final standings could come down to for-and-against with Saturdays New Zealand-England clash in Dunedin likely to have a bearing. Back-rower Boyd Cordner said pulling on the green and gold was one of the proudest moments of his career and no one in the squad wanted to be part of the Australian team that fell short of the final for the first time in 60 years. Even if we win this weekend, theres a chance that we still cant make it, the Sydney Roosters forward said as the side arrived at Sydney Airport. Were going to be putting our best foot forward, no matter the result of the (New Zealand-England) game before. As soon as we pull on that jersey, weve got a responsibility to uphold and I think everyone will be doing that. Cordner dismissed talk the Australians had been sluggish because of a long NRL season and a demanding representative schedule, insisting their opposition were in the same boat. He said they were running out against improved opposition and that included Samoa, who had been unlucky not to come away with a win in either of their two opening fixtures. He said talk that Samoa were making up the numbers did not give the team the respect they deserved and ignored strong performances in their first two games. (Samoa) have brought a bit of excitement and theyve been a breath of fresh air, he said. Theyve been talked about as making up the numbers but that hasnt been the case at all. Theyve been one of the best teams actually. Theyll love nothing more than to knock us off on Sunday. The Australians will be without in-form forward Beau Scott (hamstring) for the Samoa clash with Josh Papalii to start at front row and Sam Thaiday moving to the back row. Coach Tim Sheens also faces the question of whether to stick with Brisbane halfback Ben Hunt, who scored the match-winning try against England, on the bench or revert to Wests Tigers and NSW hooker Robbie Farah.
Posted on: Wed, 05 Nov 2014 07:53:49 +0000
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