Samoa’s women produced a record-breaking demolition job at the 2026 Women’s Rugby League World Cup, scoring 14 unanswered tries to thrash Wales 76-0 at CommBank Stadium on Friday, October 23.
The result secures Samoa’s first win in Pool A and sets a new national record for most points in a women’s international, while Wales — playing only their 14th international fixture — slump to two defeats from two.
Samoa vs Wales (Credits: BBC Sport)
Ekepati Hat-Trick Headlines Samoa’s Record 76-0 Win
Debutant Tyra Ekepati was the star of the show, scoring a hat-trick on her World Cup debut. Destiny Mino-Sinapati and Mercedez Taulelei-Siala both grabbed doubles, while Laikha Clarke, Amber Hall, Ivana Lolesio, Evania Isa’ako, Monica Tagoai, Freedom Crichton Ropati, and Tavarna Papalii also crossed the line.
Halfback Pauline Piliae-Rasabale set her own national record with 10 goals in the match. The 76 points eclipsed Samoa’s previous best of 52, set against Russia at the 2008 World Cup.
The statistics tell the story of total dominance: Samoa made more than 2,000 metres and 21 line breaks — Wales managed none. Hall was named player of the match after running for 108 metres, breaking nine tackles and scoring a try.
What the 76-0 Result Means for the World Cup
Wales actually started brightly, with early errors leaving Samoa under pressure on their own try line. But Laikha Clarke crashed over for the opener in the ninth minute — Samoa’s first World Cup try in nearly 18 years — and the floodgates opened. It was 40-0 at half-time, and Frank Pritchard’s side never eased off.
The result follows Wales’ 70-6 opening defeat to England, leaving them with six points scored and 146 conceded. Next up: reigning champions Australia on November 1.
For Samoa, the win keeps a historic semi-final dream alive. They have never reached the final four at a Women’s World Cup, but next Friday’s trip to Wollongong to face England could become a must-win playoff for a semi-final berth if Australia beat England in Perth on Saturday. On this form, nobody will fancy meeting them.
Also Read: Wales Make Four Changes for Rugby League World Cup Clash With Samoa and England vs Australia: Women’s Rugby League World Cup Clash
Source: BBC Sport — read the full story there.
