CommBank Stadium — Toa Samoa could hardly have asked for a better start to their 2026 Rugby League World Cup campaign.
The 2022 finalists opened their tournament with a commanding 78-4 victory over France at CommBank Stadium on Friday night, delivering a record-breaking performance that sent an early message to the rest of the competition. Four years after their historic run to the World Cup final, Samoa returned to the tournament with unfinished business. Against France, the men in blue showed the attacking firepower, physicality and depth that could make them a serious threat throughout the weeks ahead. Samoa wasted little time making their intentions clear. Winger Deine Mariner opened the scoring in the third minute, finishing a slick attacking movement to cross untouched in the corner. Benaiah Ioelu followed shortly after, before debutant Jermaine McEwen added another try as Samoa raced to an 18–0 lead inside the opening eight minutes. When Mariner left the field with a hamstring injury in the 10th minute, Melbourne Storm fullback Sua Fa’alogo entered the contest and immediately made his presence felt. Fa’alogo crossed for his first try in the 14th minute before helping Samoa extend their advantage. His speed and ability to find space exposed France’s defensive line, and the 23-year-old continued to punish the opposition as the match unfolded.
By halftime, Samoa held a commanding 34–4 lead, with France managing just one try through Guillermo Aispuro-Bichet in the 25th minute. There was little let-up after the break. Stephen Crichton crossed early in the second half, while Shawn Blore added another as Samoa continued to stretch the margin. Fa’alogo then crossed twice in four minutes to complete his four-try performance, taking Samoa beyond a 50-point lead and putting the result well beyond doubt. Fa’alogo finished with 252 running metres and four tackle breaks to go with his four tries, making the most of an opportunity that came unexpectedly early in the match. Jarome Luai was instrumental in directing Samoa’s attack, using his footwork and passing to create opportunities for those around him. The co-captain recorded four line breaks and two try assists, while fellow co-captain Crichton contributed with the boot, converting 11 goals from 14 attempts.
The performance also highlighted the contributions of Samoa’s emerging talent. McEwen and Newcastle Knights teammate Francis Manuleleua both made their Test debuts, with Manuleleua finishing with 223 running metres, including 89 metres after initial contact. McEwen also made his mark defensively, topping Samoa’s tackle count. As the scoreline continued to climb, the atmosphere inside CommBank Stadium reflected the significance of the occasion for the Samoan supporters in attendance. The blue jerseys, flags and voices backing the team represented a community spread across Samoa, Australia, New Zealand and beyond, united behind the same national side. For Samoa, the opening performance was an opportunity to acknowledge that support while delivering on the expectations that come with representing their nation on the World Cup stage. Junior Paulo recognized the role supporters played in creating the atmosphere, thanking those in attendance and Samoans around the world for their continued backing after the match. Vibes were definitely on.
The final stages brought even more points as Izack Tago and Francis Molo crossed before an extraordinary finish sealed the result. After Crichton’s penalty attempt struck the upright following the full-time siren, Ioelu gathered the rebound and scored his second try of the night, taking Samoa to 78 points. The final whistle confirmed a historic result. Samoa had scored 14 tries, conceded just one and recorded their biggest winning margin at a Rugby League World Cup. But while the victory provides an ideal start, Samoa’s campaign is far from over. The focus now shifts to Papua New Guinea on October 24, before a highly anticipated meeting with Tonga on November 1. Both fixtures will present different challenges as Samoa look to carry their opening momentum into the latter stages of the tournament. Friday night belonged to the men in blue. Fa’alogo’s four tries, the impact of Samoa’s debutants and a clinical team performance gave supporters plenty to celebrate and the rest of the competition plenty to consider. The statement has been made. Now, Toa Samoa must build on it.
