The Samoa secondary schools rugby team put in a much improved performance against Australia last night, despite going down 39-18 in Brisbane.
The Pacific Island side did not start well, however, and trailed 27 nil after half an hour.
Samoa's cause was not helped by a yellow card to Ken Tuatagaloa after 26 minutes.
The visitors crossed for their first try of the tournament a couple of minutes before half-time, when first five Ricky Osa darted through Australian defence to cut the deficit to 20 points at the break.
The Samoans closed the gap to 14 points with two penalties from Osa, either side of a try to fullback Emani Peniamina Faavevela, before the Australians grabbed one final try six minutes from time.
Samoa had been thrashed 67-3 by New Zealand in their opening game last week and finish the tournament against the Australian Barbarians Schools on Friday.