The Australian squad initiated their Women’s Rugby World Cup journey with a monumental 73-0 triumph over Samoa, distinguished by an imposing seven-try performance during the initial half. Desiree Miller was a key player, becoming the third Wallaroo to achieve a World Cup hat-trick.
Katalina Amosa played a crucial role in ensuring the Wallaroos began their campaign at the prestigious event in grand fashion, with the hooker forcing her way over for a try merely 90 seconds into the game. Miller, alongside teenage fullback Caitlyn Halse, each added a try within the initial 10 minutes.
The Wallaroos showcased dominance in both contact situations and set-piece plays, reaping significant benefits throughout the first half. Co-captain Emily Chancellor then scored, followed by Eva Karpani, before Miller took center stage, completing her hat-trick with two rapid tries.
It’s important to acknowledge that Samoa never relented. With substantial support from the crowd in Manchester, Samoa displayed greater competitiveness in the second half, although they were unable to convert their offensive plays into points.
Adiana Talakai achieved a noteworthy try with roughly five minutes remaining, enabling the Wallaroos to secure their most significant victory ever in a Rugby World Cup. Shortly after, Halse completed a double, enabling the Wallaroos to establish a new team record for the highest number of tries in a single World Cup match.
Wallaroos aimed to make a strong impression
Australia could not have envisioned a better commencement to their Rugby World Cup campaign.
Co-captain Emily Chancellor mentioned to reporters on Friday that the Australians were eager to “deliver a performance that communicates a message to the broader World Cup audience.” Given that the USA and England were also in their pool, securing a commanding victory in their opening match appeared crucial.
The women in gold quickly asserted themselves against the Samoans, with hooker Katalina Amosa scoring the opening try within the first 90 seconds. Desiree Miller and Caitlyn Halse each also added a try within the initial 10 minutes.
These initial tries established the framework for what turned out to be a momentous, record-breaking victory for the women in gold. Before this game, the Wallaroos’ most significant win at a Rugby World Cup was a 62-0 triumph over South Africa in 2010 – and it wasn’t the only record that fell.
Desiree Miller became only the third Wallaroo ever to score a hat-trick in a World Cup game, and the Australians collectively set a new record with 11 tries – their previous high in a single World Cup match was 10 against South Africa in 2006.
With tournament hosts and frontrunners England also in Pool A, the upcoming match between the Wallaroos and USA in York is essentially a quasi-knockout match. Following a confident victory over Samoa in their first game, the Wallaroos appear well-prepared for the Eagles.
Match Summary
Australia displayed extraordinary efficiency
Australia exerted control throughout the first half, as reflected in the 45-0 score at the interval. Desiree Miller scored a hat-trick as the Wallaroos accumulated points, yet the lopsided score did not completely represent the initial 40 minutes.
Considering the score differential at halftime, it might be surprising to note that the Manusina actually maintained more possession (56%) during the first half. The territory distribution was also nearly equal, with the Wallaroos marginally ahead at 51%.
However, as Australia’s seven first-half tries illustrated, the women in gold demonstrated extraordinary efficiency as they launched their tournament with a flawless opening 40 minutes. The Wallaroos entered Manusina’s 22-meter area seven times, and scored a try on each occasion.
Australia actually missed a greater number of tackles too, leading that undesirable statistic with 18 compared to 11. But as indicated by the halftime and full-time scores, the Wallaroos capitalized on every offensive opportunity at Salford Community Stadium.
On the defensive aspect, Emily Chancellor and Piper Duck set an example with the two flankers demonstrating impressive statistics. Chancellor executed 26 tackles with 15 minutes remaining, and Duck was not far behind.
Considering the Wallaroos’ superiority at the set-piece, there are numerous encouraging aspects to this performance if you are an Australian supporter. Michaelea Leonard was a threat on Samoa’s throw at the lineout, even claiming a steal in the 19th minute.
This exemplifies the essence of the Rugby World Cup
With the Wallaroos scoring three tries in the first 10 minutes, it became clear that it was not going to be Samoa’s day in Manchester. Despite the outcome not being in their favor, Manusina still have reasons to celebrate, having competed in their first World Cup match since 2014.
Whenever Samoa made a partial breakthrough or approached a scoring opportunity, the fans at Salford Community Stadium erupted in enthusiastic support, spurred on by some of the team’s substitutes who occasionally encouraged the fans to cheer loudly.
When Manusina took to the field for the second half, in spite of the 45-0 deficit, the crowd once again displayed incredible support. Samoa also showed great character and passion by never giving up on the field, giving their all until the final whistle.
This truly captures the spirit of the Rugby World Cup.
Samantha Wood and Desiree Miller are transformative players
Layne Morgan consistently started for the Wallaroos before coach Jo Yapp implemented a change before the team’s final game prior to traveling to England. Samantha Wood was selected in the starting lineup at scrum-half for a match against Wales in Sydney earlier in the month.
Despite challenging conditions, although not as severe as the weather witnessed in Brisbane just six days prior, Wood distinguished herself as a game-driver and playmaker. Wood’s goalkicking also garnered attention after that match, with the No. 9 successfully executing a sideline conversion at one point.
Wood was retained in the First XV for the World Cup opener in Manchester, while Morgan was expected to make an impact off the bench. While players like Desiree Miller, Caitlyn Halse, and Emily Chancellor dominated with tries, Wood’s contributions should not be disregarded.
Whether through simple yet effective passing, clearances with her boot, or accurate shots at goal, the Wallaroos have discovered a legitimate difference-maker in Wood. Wood did have a kick blocked in the 12th minute, but the 21-year-old was generally reliable.
Similarly, Miller was exceptional, particularly during the first half, achieving a historic hat-trick. Miller crossed for five-pointers in the fifth, 25th, and 32nd minutes – also displaying some sturdy defensive efforts as well.
With Miller combining with Maya Stewart and Halse in the outside backs, the Wallaroos have access to some of the world’s most talented back three players.
