Fetu Samoa made history at the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, overpowering Wales 76-0 at CommBank Stadium on Friday night to record the biggest victory in the women’s program’s international history and put their semi-final ambitions firmly back in focus.
After opening their campaign with a 40-0 defeat to defending champions Australia, Frank Pritchard’s side responded with an emphatic performance built on forward dominance, attacking speed and a defensive effort that kept Wales scoreless across 80 minutes. Samoa crossed for 14 tries, seven in each half, and converted 10 of their 14 attempts to surpass their previous record of 52 points, scored against Russia at the 2008 World Cup. The result also marked Fetu Samoa’s first World Cup victory in 18 years.
Teenage centre Tyra Ekepati delivered one of the standout performances of the tournament, scoring a hat-trick on her World Cup debut. The young centre crossed twice in the first half before completing her treble late in the second, showcasing her finishing ability as Samoa repeatedly exposed gaps in the Welsh defensive line. The breakthrough came through prop Laikha Clarke, who opened the scoring in the eighth minute with a powerful run through the middle. Ekepati followed shortly after, finishing out wide before fullback Destiny Mino-Sinapati added another try to extend Samoa’s early advantage. Ekepati crossed again in the 21st minute, and the introduction of forward Amber Hall further strengthened Samoa’s control through the middle. Hall scored in the 25th minute, bringing her trademark power to an already dominant attacking display. Winger Mercedez Taulelei-Siala added another try before Ivana Lolesio crossed in the 34th minute, giving Samoa a commanding 40-0 lead at halftime. Wales had opportunities early in the contest but could not turn their field position into points against a disciplined Samoan defence.
Samoa showed no signs of easing after the break. Captain Evania Isa’ako crossed in the 41st minute before centre Monica Tagoai added another four-pointer, extending the lead to 50-0. Mino-Sinapati then produced one of the night’s most eye-catching moments, collecting a kick return and racing approximately 60 metres to score her second try.
Taulelei-Siala followed with her second of the evening, using her pace to finish another attacking opportunity. Freedom Crichton Ropati added her name to the scoresheet in the 58th minute, while Ekepati completed her hat-trick in the 65th. Lock Tavarna Papali’i rounded out the scoring in the 68th minute, sealing a result that underlined Samoa’s attacking depth across the park. While the try scorers shared the spotlight, Hall was named player of the match after an influential performance off the interchange bench. The Sydney Roosters forward ran for 108 metres and broke nine tackles, giving Samoa a powerful platform through the middle. Her impact extended beyond her own try, with her strong carries helping create opportunities for teammates around her. Mino-Sinapati and Taulelei-Siala each finished with two tries, while halfback Pauline Piliae-Rasabale converted 10 of Samoa’s 14 tries. Piliae-Rasabale’s tally established a new national record for most successful goals in a match, adding another milestone to an already historic night. The result represents a significant response from a side that showed glimpses of its potential against Australia despite the opening defeat. Against Wales, Samoa translated that promise into sustained attacking pressure, finishing its opportunities and maintaining its defensive intensity throughout the contest.
The challenge now rises considerably. Fetu Samoa will face England in Wollongong on Friday, October 30, in a match with major implications for their hopes of reaching the semi-finals. Samoa have never reached the final four of a Women’s Rugby League World Cup, and their next performance could prove decisive in their pursuit of that milestone. For Fetu Samoa, the 76-0 victory is more than a response to an opening-round loss. It is a record-setting statement of intent, delivered through a team performance that combined physicality, speed and composure when it mattered most. Now, the focus turns to England and the opportunity to turn that momentum into a historic run at the World Cup. Yeah the girls!
Photos by Fetu Samoa.
