Fa’asuamaleaui and To’o face off during Samoa’s Siva Tau
The Kangaroos prop was later placed on report for a high tackle as Australia and Samoa contested their World Cup semi-final in Sydney.
Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and Brian To’o repeatedly confronted each other during Samoa’s Siva Tau before the Rugby League World Cup semi-final against Australia at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium.
Rain started shortly before the teams emerged together from the tunnel. Australia’s Jack Bostock was the first Kangaroos player to face a Samoan opponent at close quarters when Jazz Tevaga approached the line.
To’o also appeared to speak to Fa’asuamaleaui during the challenge. The Australian prop previously played for Samoa but has since consistently chosen to represent the Kangaroos.
Five Samoa players tackled Fa’asuamaleaui on the opening carry. He was subsequently put on report after his arm struck Jermaine McEwen high. McEwen later returned during the first half after passing a head injury assessment.
A penalty goal gave Samoa a 2-0 advantage before Tom Dearden scored the opening try in the eighth minute. With Reece Walsh outside him, Dearden sold a dummy and broke through from 20m out, reaching the line without being touched.
