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.
Samoa Schools vs New Zealand in 2012. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
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.