GIVEN the scoreline, it’s not an easy task reflectin on how well the losing side defended for long stretches.
Frank Pritchard’s Fetu Samoa put up a strong showing but the Jillaroos stayed mainly in second gear as they got their World Cup defence off to a winning start with a 40-0 win.
It was 28-0 to Australia by halftime at CommBank Stadium, where Samoa earlier towelled up France 78-4 in the men’s tournament.
Samoa stepped up the defensive effort in the second half, although replacement Keilee Joseph did find her way over in the 45th minute with Jocelyn Kelleher booting her sixth goal to make it 34-0.
A try-saving crash tackle by Freedom Crichton Ropati in the final two minutes summed up the Fetu Samoa effort, although Jessica Sergis did manage to finally pierce the blue wall shortly afterwards.
AUSTRALIA 40 (Chapman Robinson Bent Nizza Kernick Joseph Sergis tries Kelleher 6 goals) beat SAMOA 0 at CommBank Stadium
Teams:
AUSTRALIA: Tamika Upton; Jaime Chapman, Jessica Sergis, Isabelle Kelly (c), Julia Robinson; Jocelyn Kelleher, Tarryn Aiken; Millie Elliott, Olivia Higgins, Simaima Taufa, Kezie Apps, Shaylee Bent, Olivia Kernick.
Reserves: Keeley Nizza, Keilee Joseph, Tiana Penitani Gray, Ellie Johnston.
SAMOA: Destiny Mino-Sinapati; Mercedez Taulelei-Siala, Monica Tagoai, Sarina Masaga, Freedom Crichton Ropati; Taliah Fuimaono, Pauline Piliae-Rasabale; Annetta Nu’uausala, Mary-Jane Taito, Laikha Clarke, Evania Isa’ako, Ivana Lolesio, Leilani Wilson.
Reserves: Evelyn Roberts, Fanua Rimoni, Amber Hall, Jasmine Solia/Fogavini.
Referee: Kasey Badger
