Wallaroos beat Manu Sina in Record World Cup Opener

The Wallaroos launched their Women’s Rugby World Cup campaign with a commanding 73–0 win over Manu Sina in Sydney this morning, rewriting the record books with their biggest ever World Cup victory. Australia scored 11 tries, including a hat-trick from debutant Desiree Miller and a double from teenage star Caitlyn Halse, who became the youngest Wallaroo to feature at a World Cup. Hooker Adiana Talakai also crossed twice, while Player of the Match Cecilia Smith steered the backline with authority. The Wallaroos’ pace, power, and clinical finishing left Samoa chasing shadows as they surpassed their previous best World Cup winning margin.

For Manu Sina, the result was tough, but their spirit shone through in a resilient second-half effort that saw them hold out Australia on several phases close to the line. Despite being unable to breach the Wallaroos’ defence, the Samoan women carried the pride of the Pacific onto the global stage and provided invaluable experience for a young squad still developing at international level. While the Wallaroos have signalled themselves as early contenders, Manu Sina’s presence at this World Cup remains a powerful reminder of Samoa’s rising place in women’s rugby.