Best odds & RLWC value bets for Australia vs. Samoa QF

ONE of the smallest nations in the Rugby League World Cup will tackle the largest when the quarterfinals get underway on Friday night.

Australia have had no major problems thus far, amassing hefty wins over England, France and Lebanon while giving most of the squad a runout.

Despite calls for Cameron Munster’s inclusion, Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga has reverted to much the same lineup as that which took care of the Three Lions on the opening night of the tournament.

The only difference is the selection of Reagan Campbell-Gillard, who joins the interchange bench in place of the injured Jake Trbojevic.

Samoa have fallen well short of expectations thus far, having progressed to the last eight despite failing to win any of their group games.

The last of those was a disappointing 14-14 draw with Scotland – a team that had conceded a combined total of 124 points in their games against New Zealand and Tonga.

That does not bode well when faced with a ruthless Aussie defensive unit that has given up only 10 points for the tourney.

The good news for Samoa is that Ben Roberts and captain Frank Pritchard – both of whom sat out against the Bravehearts – are back in the 17 for the trip to the Top End.

2017 RLWC betting specials

Online bookmaker Neds.com.au is offering boosted odds of $3.25 for the Kangaroos to win by 40 points or more.

Better yet, use our links to sign up at Neds today and enter the special code GETON500 to unlock an exclusive $500 bonus.

For bets up to $100, Ladbrokes will give you enhanced prices on selected tryscorer doubles:

• $2.50 for Boyd Cordner to score a try and Australia to win
• $67 for Josh Leilua to score a try and Samoa to win

If you back any player to score the first try, you can reclaim up to $50 in CrownBet Rewards bonus points if he instead crosses for the second or third.

Best bets for first tryscorer

• Dane Gagai – $7 at Ladbrokes
• Billy Slater – $8.50 at Sportsbet
• Will Chambers – $10 at Neds

We see no reason to look past Australia’s chief attacking threats in the first tryscorer market.

Gagai heads the market for good reason, having earned his stripes as a big-game player with an outstanding State of Origin series.

Superstar fullback Billy Slater has to come into the equation as well, but it is one of his Melbourne Storm teammates who interests us most of all.

Will Chambers grew up in the NT before moving to Queensland as a teenager, so you can bet the former union player will want to put on a show for the locals.

Australia vs. Samoa match prediction

Will the conditions level the playing field?

Typical November weather is forecast for Friday, leading some to speculate that Samoa could derive an advantage of sorts from 33-degree heat and stifling humidity.

Even if that does work in the underdogs’ favour, it will mean nothing if they cannot produce the footy chops required to beat the best in the world.

The Kangaroos have looked rock-solid in defence, so Samoa will have to find another gear – perhaps a new transmission system altogether – if they are to make a dint.

Back the hosts to have a big night out.

Australia to beat -14.5 half-time line – $1.90 at Sportsbet