AUSTRALIA 40 SAMOA 0
JOHN DAVIDSON, CommBank Stadium, Parramatta, Friday

THE Jillaroos kicked off their World Cup defence in commanding fashion, bashing Samoa in their tournament opener.

Australia’s women are out to retain their title of world champions won four years ago in Manchester and they started with an eye-catching seven-try rout in Parramatta.

They raced to a strong 28-0 first-half lead before adding another twelve points in the second half to sink Samoa, who were playing their first World Cup match since 2008.

Halfback Jocelyn Kelleher had a hand in several tries and kicked six from seven with the boot in a commanding performance.

On this kind of form, the women in green and gold will take some beating at this tournament.

Tall winger Jaime Chapman got the ball rolling after just ten minutes, touching down after a tidy cut-out pass put her in space on the left flank, where Kelleher then had her only missed kick from the sideline.

Seven minutes the opposite winger, Julia Robinson, crossed for Australia’s second, then back-rower Shaylee Bent found space on the left edge, dummied and outpaced her opponent to score on the right.

Australia were getting into their groove now, and Samoa kept falling off tackles.

Keeley Nizza stepped and busted her way through the middle, diving over for the Jillaroos’ fourth of the night in spectacular fashion.

Samoa had to keep their opponents out before the end of the half if they were to have any hope of a comeback, but it was not to be, with a lovely inside pass from Kelleher putting forward Olivia Kernick in between the sticks.

Kelleher’s conversions made it 28-0 at the break, with Samoa clearly outclassed.

In the second half Fetu Samoa needed to start strong and fight their way back into the contest, but their hands let them down and simple errors handed back possession cheaply.

The Jillaroos had their error issues, pushing passes and failing to complete their sets for a period.

But Australia’s forwards continued to run rampant in the middle of the field, eating metres at will.

With space opening up, it was Kernick’s great offload that put Keilee Joseph over for a try in the 44th minute. Kelleher added another two points from right in front with ease.

The Jillaroos’ backs were turning loose and only some eye-catching defence from Samoa stopped the scoreline from really blowing out.

A poor forward pass from Tarryn Aiken cruelled another Australian attacking opportunity.

With ten minutes left Fetu Samoa finally got over the try-line when Laikha Clarke barged over, but she was held up and then lost control of the ball, resulting in a no-try call by the referee.

It was a cruel blow for the Samoans who had battled bravely.

The final word was left to Jessica Sergis, who crashed through late for the Jillaroos’ last score.

GAMESTAR: Jocelyn Kelleher was dynamic both with the boot and with the ball in her hands.

GAMEBREAKER: Olivia Kernick grabbed a try and set one up with some great play.

MATCHFACTS

AUSTRALIA
1 Tamika Upton
2 Julia Robinson
3 Jessica Sergis
4 Isabelle Kelly
5 Jaime Chapman
6 Jocelyn Kelleher
7 Tarryn Aiken
8 Millie Elliott
9 Olivia Higgins
10 Simaima Taufa
11 Kezie Apps
12 Shaylee Bent
13 Olivia Kernick
Subs (all used)
14 Keeley Nizza
15 Keilee Joseph
16 Tiana Penitani
17 Ellie Johnston

Tries: Chapman (10), Robinson (17), Bent (22), Nizza (26), Kernick (34), Joseph (44), Sergis (68)
Goals: Kelleher 6/7

SAMOA
1 Destiny Mino-Sinapati
2 Mercedez Taulelei-Siala
3 Monica Tagoai
4 Sarina Masaga
5 Freedom Crichton Ropati
6 Taliah Fuimaono
7 Pauline Piliae-Rasabale
8 Annetta-Claudia Nu’uausala
9 Mary-Jane Taito
10 Laikha Clarke
11 Evania Isa’ako
12 Ivana Lolesio
13 Leilani Wilson
Subs (all used)
14 Evelyn Roberts
15 Fanua Rimoni
16 Amber Hall
17 Jasmine Fogavini

SCORING SEQUENCE: 6-0, 12-0, 16-0, 22-0, 28-0; 34-0, 40-0

Rugby Leaguer & League Express Women of the Match
Australia: Jocelyn Kelleher; Samoa: Laikha Clarke

Penalty count: 9-5
Half-time: 28-0
Referee: Kasey Badger