Australia Dominates Samoa 73-0 in Women’s Rugby World Cup Opener

Australia’s Wallaroos delivered an emphatic performance in their opening match of the Women’s Rugby World Cup, defeating Manusina Samoa 73-0 at the Salford Community Stadium in Manchester on October 14, 2023. The match showcased Australia’s dominance, with the Wallaroos scoring eleven tries against a struggling Samoan side.

From the outset, Australia asserted their control, scoring a try just two minutes into the match through a well-executed rolling maul. Within the first ten minutes, they added two more tries, establishing a commanding early lead. Samoa faced challenges with discipline, culminating in a yellow card for prop Ana Mamea midway through the first half. This setback compounded their difficulties as they struggled to contain Australia’s relentless offensive strategy.

Samoa’s best chance in the first half came late when they advanced close to Australia’s try line. However, a turnover resulted in a penalty that was ultimately reversed due to a dangerous clean-out by the Samoan side, leaving the score at 45-0 by halftime.

Second Half Struggles for Samoa

Following halftime, Samoa’s coach Mata’afa Ramsey Tomokino made several substitutions, hoping to shift the momentum. The Manusina side initially found success with early possession but faltered when they reached the try line, losing the ball before a penalty could be converted.

The Wallaroos quickly responded, with co-captain Cecilia Smith, who has Samoan heritage, scoring a try in the 52nd minute. While Samoa did manage to maintain more possession in the second half, they repeatedly missed opportunities within the Australian half. The situation worsened when Melina Salale received a yellow card for head contact, which was upgraded to a 20-minute red card after review due to the high degree of danger involved.

With Samoa playing a player down, Australia capitalized on the opportunity, scoring two additional tries before the final whistle, culminating in a decisive 73-0 victory.

Reactions from Players and Coaches

Following the match, Samoa’s captain Sua Pauaraisa expressed her disappointment, acknowledging the challenges faced against a well-prepared Australian team. “Very disappointed with the result today but it’s always hard coming against teams like this that have been playing test matches and have been here before,” she stated. She emphasized the need to regroup as they prepare for their upcoming matches, particularly against England.

In contrast, Australian co-captain Cecilia Smith reflected on the surreal experience of playing against her ancestral homeland. “I think we just went out there and stuck to our own game plan,” she said, highlighting the team’s strategy to exploit space on the field. Fellow co-captain Kaitlan Leaney praised the fast start they had aimed for, noting, “In the second half we had to hold on while they did some strong attack.”

The Women’s Rugby World Cup commenced with high expectations, as hosts England faced the USA, winning decisively 69-7. With New Zealand as the two-time defending champions, the tournament promises to deliver further high-stakes matches as teams vie for glory.

As the Wallaroos and Manusina regroup, the focus now shifts to their next encounters, with both teams looking to build on their performances in this prestigious tournament.