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Australia have shown their Commonwealth Games gold medal credentials by beating IRB Sevens World Series champions Samoa 34-12 to win the Oceania Sevens in Darwin, Australia.

Skipper Patrick McCutcheon led from the front as his young side overpowered the favourites in an exciting final at Austar Rugby Park. He and the side will now leave for Delhi on Tuesday full of confidence ahead of one of sevens’ showpiece events starting next Monday (11 October).

Returning Sevens star Luke Morahan scored a double in the decider and powerful forward Jesse Parahi also crossed for two tries as Michael O'Connor's team won by six tries to two.

Australia finished the tournament undefeated after also accounting for Tahiti 51-0 and Tonga 24-5 on day two in a performance which was all the more impressive considering the host of stars unavailable with niggling injuries.

Qantas Wallabies winger Lachie Turner was ruled out minutes before the final as a precaution after rolling his ankle warming up while Western Force wing Nick Cummins (shoulder), Queensland Reds rookie recruits Liam Gill (ankle) and Kimami Sitauti (ankle) and Sydney Uni fly half Bernard Foley (ankle) played little part. All, however, are confident they will be fit for Delhi.

“I think that’s the first time that I have ever beaten Samoa, but they’re only going to get better in a big tournament and we’re going to have to contend with New Zealand as well,” said Player of the tournament Luke Morahan.

“To win here was great, especially with the number of guys we had injured. I definitely think we’ve proven we’re medal contenders in Delhi.”

Samoa struggled to show their best form throughout the weekend and made heavy weather of their semi-final against the impressive Papua New Guinea, edging through 17-10 thanks to Mikaele Pesamino try.

"Obviously it's always dissappointing to lose but I'm happy with how some of the new guys performed and it has been a great preparation for us for the Commonwealth Games" said Samoa coach Betham.

After posting strong performances in Darwin, the Cook Islands, Papua New Guinea and Tonga have qualified to compete at the New Zealand and Australia legs of the IRB Sevens World Series in 2011, and the Tongans will also compete in Hong Kong.