Coach Tim Sheens has warned his Australian side they have not yet qualified for the Four Nations final yet, despite their come-from-behind-win over England on Sunday.
The Kangaroos avoided a dynasty-ending defeat in the 16-12 win at AAMI Park, but they still have to get past Samoa this weekend to book their place in the tournament final in Wellington on November 15.
All four sides remain in contention for the Four Nations decider ahead of the final round of matches, with New Zealand to host England in Dunedin on Saturday.
“I have said to the guys we are not playing in the final yet, we have a big game this week and so have England,” Sheens said.
“New Zealand looked scratchy on the weekend against Samoa, Samoa really played strongly and our issue is we have to lift to beat that side
“I can’t control what is going to happen in the other game but we will certainly know the day before, because they play then.
“We still have to win the game and whatever happens happens.
“I am not counting scorelines, we have to win the game and we will play it from there.
“We have been in a couple of tight spots like this before.”
A loss to England would have ruled the Kangaroos out of the final of a major tournament for the first time since the inaugural World Cup in 1954.
A loss to Toa Samoa in Wollongong on Sunday can still do that, though a win would almost certainly put them into the final.
Samoa can still qualify for the final with a win, as can England if they defeat New Zealand, with finals placed determined on for and against if teams have the same number of wins.
Kangaroos captain Cameron Smith said the Kangaroos have retained their self belief despite treading so close to the precipice.
“There is always relief when you are still in with an opportunity to be involved in the final but there wasn’t a feeling in the camp that we were down and out and let’s hope we win,” Smith said.
“We came into the game confident we were going to play well because we prepared better than what we did in the first match and we had to.”
FOUR NATIONS TABLE
Team Played Won Lost For Against Difference Points
New Zealand 2 2 0 44 24 +20 4
England 2 1 1 44 42 +2 2
Australia 2 1 1 28 42 -14 2
Samoa 2 0 2 38 46 -8 0
