Yeah but we both backed 13+ so the interest remains. I ended up paying $15 to upgrade my data plan for the month just to watch this on 3G because my cable internet is down, so I better actually win some money on it (aside from Groom, because I didn't see that in time) or I'll be ropeable.
I just can't stress enough how much of an utter disappointment Roberts must be for Samoa fans. An NRL halfback is such a massive, massive boon for these sides.. I mean Joseph Paulo completely carries the USA on his back just by virtue of being an NRL standard who can play in the halves. Paulo's not even a real half ffs. It's the position there's the biggest difference between the top grade and everything else, and Roberts still completely looks like they've called him up from the Samoan local comp or Auckland park footy.
If either side had a decent dummy half who could pick up forwards close to the line they'd win this game by 50
Should be noted that Milford's defence at the back was superb this game. Made three try-saving tackles and positioned himself beautifully to intercept a grubber to save another. His defence had been really poor at the back end of the season for Canberra and in the previous games here so he's clearly been working on his positional play and.. well.. commitment to actually making a tackle.
Why Samoa were comfortable favourites for this game I have nfi. Thought it was pretty evident from the pool games that Fiji are the strongest minnow nation.
