A first-half hat-trick from Desiree Miller inspired the Wallaroos to a dominant 73-0 demolition of Samoa in their Women’s World Cup Pool A clash at Salford Community Stadium — a result that puts them above England and top of the group after the opening round.
It was also Australia’s biggest-ever World Cup victory.
From the opening whistle, the Wallaroos made their intent clear. A powerful driving maul delivered the first try inside two minutes, and by the 20-minute mark they had already crossed five times. Samoa’s mistakes were punished ruthlessly, and with the scoreboard showing 45-0 at half-time, the contest was long over.
The second half inevitably slowed, with Australia easing off but never losing control. Their set-piece remained a weapon, their backline continued to cut Samoa apart, and their defence stood firm throughout.
A late flurry sealed a statement win for the Wallaroos, who now turn their attention to a tougher clash with the USA next week.
Match Summary
AUSTRALIA: 73
Tries: Amosa (2’), Miller (6’, 26’, 33’), Halse (10’, 77’), Chancellor (15’), Karpani (21’), Smith (52’), Talakai (66’, 75’)
Conversions: Wood (3’, 11’, 16’, 22’, 34’, 53’), Cramer (67’, 76’, 78’)
Tries: Amosa (2’), Miller (6’, 26’, 33’), Halse (10’, 77’), Chancellor (15’), Karpani (21’), Smith (52’), Talakai (66’, 75’)
Conversions: Wood (3’, 11’, 16’, 22’, 34’, 53’), Cramer (67’, 76’, 78’)
SAMOA: 0
Yellow card: Mamea (21’)
Red card: Salale (73’)
Yellow card: Mamea (21’)
Red card: Salale (73’)
Player Ratings
Caitlyn Halse – 8.5
Grabbed a brilliant third try with pace and power, before rounding off the scoring for a brace. One poor kick aside, it was an outstanding showing from the 18-year-old.
Grabbed a brilliant third try with pace and power, before rounding off the scoring for a brace. One poor kick aside, it was an outstanding showing from the 18-year-old.
Maya Stewart – 7.5
Saw less ball but worked tirelessly. Produced a superb defensive stop to deny Samoa just before half-time.
Saw less ball but worked tirelessly. Produced a superb defensive stop to deny Samoa just before half-time.
Georgina Friedrichs – 7
Neat and tidy with ball in hand. Passed well and ran good lines, though didn’t quite shine as brightly as others.
Neat and tidy with ball in hand. Passed well and ran good lines, though didn’t quite shine as brightly as others.
Cecilia Smith – 8
Impressive on debut. Carried strongly, showed excellent footwork in the build-up, and finished smartly for the first try of the second half.
Impressive on debut. Carried strongly, showed excellent footwork in the build-up, and finished smartly for the first try of the second half.
Desiree Miller – 10
Unstoppable. Scored a first-half hat-trick with pace and athleticism, then added another after the break. Best finisher on the pitch.
Unstoppable. Scored a first-half hat-trick with pace and athleticism, then added another after the break. Best finisher on the pitch.
Faitala Moleka – 7
Offered spark in attack with a sharp line break that split the defence.
Offered spark in attack with a sharp line break that split the defence.
Samantha Wood – 7
Controlled the game well and was near-perfect from the tee.
Controlled the game well and was near-perfect from the tee.
Tabua Tuinakauvadra – 7
Solid in contact, though had fewer touches than others in a one-sided game.
Solid in contact, though had fewer touches than others in a one-sided game.
Emily Chancellor – 7.5
Industrious performance capped with Australia’s fourth try for the bonus point.
Industrious performance capped with Australia’s fourth try for the bonus point.
Piper Duck – 8
Worked relentlessly on both sides of the ball. Big tackles, quick hands, and huge work rate.
Worked relentlessly on both sides of the ball. Big tackles, quick hands, and huge work rate.
Michaela Leonard – 7
A strong lineout operator and effective in the carry. Reliable in contact.
A strong lineout operator and effective in the carry. Reliable in contact.
Kaitlan Leaney – 7
Provided plenty of grunt through close-range pick-and-go carries.
Provided plenty of grunt through close-range pick-and-go carries.
Asoiva Karpani – 7
Used her strength to power over for Australia’s fifth try.
Used her strength to power over for Australia’s fifth try.
Katalina Amosa – 8
Set the tone with the opening score. Dominant at the set-piece and one of the clear difference-makers.
Set the tone with the opening score. Dominant at the set-piece and one of the clear difference-makers.
Faliki Pohiva – 7.5
Battled through a knock late in the first half. Solid contribution without being heavily involved.
Battled through a knock late in the first half. Solid contribution without being heavily involved.
Replacements – 8
Kept momentum steady once the game was won. Adiana Talakai impressed off the bench, ensuring set-piece dominance and grabbing a brace of her own.
Kept momentum steady once the game was won. Adiana Talakai impressed off the bench, ensuring set-piece dominance and grabbing a brace of her own.
