Australia began their Women's Rugby League World Cup defence with a commanding 40-0 victory over Samoa at CommBank Stadium in Sydney. The Jillaroos, despite easing off in the second half, showcased their depth and skill in a match that marked the first World Cup appearance for Samoa since 2008.
Dominant First Half Sets Up Victory
Australia wasted no time asserting their authority, racing to a 28-0 lead by halftime. Debutant Jocelyn Kelleher was instrumental, kicking six from seven conversion attempts and having a hand in two tries. Her performance at five-eighth vindicated coach Jess Skinner's decision to leave veteran Ali Brigginshaw out of the squad and Jesse Southwell out of the matchday 18.
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Kelleher Shines on Debut
Kelleher, who earned player of the match honours, described her debut as "amazing" and praised the team's camaraderie. "We're having so much fun in camp, we're training well together," she said. Her comfort was aided by the presence of Roosters NRLW premiership-winning connections throughout the team, including halfback Tarryn Aiken, lock Olivia Kernick, bench hooker Keely Nizza, front rower Millie Elliott, and centres Jess Sergis and captain Isabelle Kelly.
Samoa's Spirited Start
Samoa showed early promise but couldn't sustain pressure against the disciplined Australian defence. Captain Isabelle Kelly acknowledged her side's scrappiness but remained optimistic. "It was a bit scrappy from us in bits there," she said. "But it's the start of the tournament, a new team playing together, so I'm excited to see what comes next."
Key Takeaways
- Australia's 40-0 win sets a strong foundation for their World Cup defence.
- Jocelyn Kelleher's debut performance earned her player of the match.
- Samoa gained valuable experience in their first World Cup match since 2008.
- The Jillaroos' Roosters connections provided cohesion and confidence.
Match Statistics
| Team | First Half | Second Half | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 28 | 12 | 40 |
| Samoa | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Looking Ahead
Australia will look to build on this performance as they continue their title defence. Samoa, despite the loss, will take positives from their spirited opening and aim to improve in their next fixture. The Jillaroos' next match will test their consistency, while Samoa will seek their first win of the tournament.
FAQ
What was the final score of the Australia vs Samoa Women's Rugby League World Cup match?
Australia defeated Samoa 40-0 in their opening match of the Women's Rugby League World Cup at CommBank Stadium.
Who was the player of the match in Australia vs Samoa?
Jocelyn Kelleher was named player of the match for her outstanding debut performance, which included six conversions and involvement in two tries.
When did Samoa last play in a Women's Rugby League World Cup before this match?
Samoa's previous Women's Rugby League World Cup appearance was in 2008, making this their first match in the tournament since then.
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