Australia absolutely dominated in their first group match of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 as they beat Samoa 73 - 0 in Manchester.
The Wallaroos established themselves right from the first whistle, storming across the line after just 92 seconds of play. Their effortless set pieces didn’t give Samoa a chance to fight back, crossing the line a staggering ten times.
Although the Wallaroos had a few kicking errors, and Wood struggled to convert tries scored on the far left, they were an incredibly slick and impenetrable side.
The youngest ever Wallaroo to play in a World Cup, Caitlyn Halse, crossed the try line twice, as well as Desiree Miller also scoring her first ever World Cup try. Cecilia Smith was awarded Mastercard Player of the Match.
The crowd at Salford Community Stadium loudly supported the Samoan side, who are the underdogs of a star studded pool. They displayed some impressive physicality and defensive positions, but were ultimately unable to match the speed, aggression and execution of their Australian opposition.
Australia will face the USA, and Samoa will battle the world number one’s England next weekend for the next stage of the group rounds.
The Sporting News runs through highlights, starting XVs, how to watch and more.
MORE: Full schedule for the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025
Australia vs. Samoa score
| Score | Tries (Conv.) | Penalties | |
| Australia | 73 | Amosa 1'(Wood), Miller 7', Halse 10' (Wood), Chancellor 15'(Wood), Karpani 21' (Wood), Miller 25', Smith 51' (Wood), Talakai 66' (Cramer), Talakai 74' (Cramer), Haise 76' (Cramer) | |
| Samoa | 0 |
Australia vs. Samoa starting XVs
Australia: 15 - Halse, 14 - Steward, 13 - Friedrichs, 12 - Smith, 11 - Miller, 10 - Moleka, 9 - Wood, 1 - Pohiva, 2 - Amosa, 3 - Karpani, 4 - Leaney, 5 - Leonard, 6 - Duck, 7 - Chancellor, 8 - Tuinakauvadra
Replacements: 16. Talakai, 17. Hoy, 18. O'Gorman, 19. Fernandez, 20. Marsters, 21. Morgan, 22. Hinds, 23. Cramer
Samoa: 15 - Wright-Akeli, 14 - Aumua, 13 - Pouri-Lane, 12 - Makisi, 11 - Falaniko, 10 - Vatau, 9 - Afuie, 1 - Mamea, 2 - Filimaua, 3 - Aiono, 4 - Sio, 5 - Onesemo-Tuilaepa, 6 - Ryder, 7 - Pauaraisa (c), 8 - Atonio
Replacements: 16. Lueta, 17. Aiolupotea, 18. Iosefo, 19. Taylor, 20. Iva, 21. Onesemo, 22. Salale, 23. Tugaga
Australia vs. Samoa highlights
1': 90 seconds in and Australia are across the line! Amosa scores and Wood converts.
7': Miller scores her first try in the World Cup for the Wallaroos. No conversion.
10': Australia's youngest ever World Cup player crosses the line! Halse powers over the line and Wood converts.
13': Onesemo comes on to replace Ryder.
16': Co-captain Emily Chancellor scores by just edging the ball over the line, earning the Wallaroos a bonus point! Wood easily concerts.
21': Karpani scores Australia's fifth try and Wood converts. As Australia continue to pull away, Samoa are down to 14 players as Ana Mamea gets a yellow card for offside.
25': Miller scores again with a beautiful unbroken run in. Wood fails to convert from the left side again.
27': Samoa reverse their replacements, bring Ryder back on.
50': Hoy crosses the line, but Samoa manage to hold it up. No try.
51': Smith dives over the line to earn Australia their seventh try of the match. Wood converts.
66': Talakai scores off the back of a line out, with Cramer converting effortlessly.
73': Samoa earn another yellow card as Salale is taken off for an upright tackle. Samoa will play a woman down for the rest of the match.
74': Talakai scores again, powering through three players to score again. Cramer converts again.
76': Halse runs in for a picture perfect try under the posts. Another try for the youngest Wallaroo ever. Cramer converts.
77': Salale's yellow card is updated to a red card due to high level of danger.
80': Full time. Australia 73 - 0 Samoa.
Australia vs. Samoa livestream, TV channel
Australia
- TV channel: Stan Sports, Nine (select games)
- Live stream: England Rugby YouTube
UK
- TV channel: BBC Two
- Live stream: England Rugby YouTube
Fans in the United Kingdom can catch the action live or on catch-up on BBC, with coverage beginning at 11:00 am GMT.
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