England overwhelmed Manusina Samoa 92-3 in a Women’s Rugby World Cup Pool A clash this morning, a result that underlined England’s status as the world’s top side and showcased Samoa’s ongoing development on the global stage. Samoa headed into the match ranked 15th in the world.
Samoa’s veteran number eight Nina Foaese refused to go quietly, delivering hard-tackling carries and crucial hits in the tackle while Manusina captain Sui Pauraisa linked well in the breakdown to contest turnovers. Yet England’s precision and experience proved decisive, with their forward pack delivering a dominant performance at the scrum and their backs exploiting spaces whenever they opened.
England stuck to their established game plan, sharpening their rolling maul, a variety of attacking shapes, and powerful middle-game hit-ups. When opportunities appeared, the star-studded backline showed why they are rated so highly, with pace and accuracy causing ongoing trouble for Samoa. Megan Jones, England’s centre, showcased why she’s considered one of the best outside centers in the game today, her carries swift and hard to contain. England also benefited from Maddie Feaunati’s strong scrummaging presence, a nod to the Samoan heritage within the team.
Samoa’s points came from a single Harmony Vatau penalty early in the second half, the only reward for their hard work against a relentless English performance. Despite the scoreboard, Samoa fought with pride to the final whistle, signaling the growing strength and resilience of Pacific nations in women’s rugby.
England’s dominance was reflected in the scoreline: 14 tries were dotted down, seven in each half, as the Red Roses demonstrated depth and finishing power with players crossing for scores across the squad. The visitors spread the tries around and converted consistently, with 12 different players crossing the line in a masterclass of depth.
The forward battle was notable for Samoa, who at times held the England pack at bay and showed solid variations in the lineout, but the gulf in overall experience and preparation was clear. It was a comprehensive step up for Samoa, who still showed heart and competitive spirit throughout.
Looking ahead, Samoa’s next pool game is a tough assignment against the USA on Sunday, while England will continue to pursue a long-awaited World Cup title with depth and momentum behind them. Samoa’s development on the world stage remains evident, as does the wider growth of women’s rugby across the Pacific.
Context and takeaway: Samoa qualified for their first World Cup since 2014 via the WXV3 competition, underscoring the rising strength of Pacific nations in women’s rugby. England’s performance reinforced their squad depth and cohesion as they push for the trophy, while Samoa will carry lessons from this game into their remaining pool fixtures.
Summary: England’s 92-3 win highlighted their offensive firepower, depth, and consistency, while Samoa took valuable experience from a high-caliber test. The result continues to set the tone for Pool A in the tournament, with England aiming for silverware and Samoa focused on continued growth and development.
Optional notes to add value:
– The match reinforced England’s ability to distribute scoring across a wide spread of players, a hallmark of their depth this season.
– Samoa’s scrummaging and lineout variations were commendable against one of the world’s best packs, suggesting growth in set pieces that could pay off in future games.
– The broader World Cup narrative remains one of rapid development for women’s rugby, with Pacific nations like Samoa increasingly integrating into the top tier and expanding their programs.
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