Australia 73-0 Samoa: Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 – as it happened

Samoa's Jayjay Taylor (right) tackles Australia's centre Cecilia Smith. Photograph: Tom Jenkins/The Guardian

2.01pm BST

That’s it from Salford, comrades. Stay tuned for a match report from the Guardian team and tune in tomorrow for more of the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup!

Updated at 2.01pm BST

1.58pm BST

FULLTIME: Australia defeat Samoa 73-0

Massive confidence boost for the Australians to not only sciore 73-points but also hold Samoa to zip. Great performances from all the Wallaroos but Cecelia Smith has been awarded Player of the Match, a great honour for the star from the Leeton Dianas.

Samoa didn’t challenge as we thought they might but we are now seeing them arm-in-arm in a ring with the Australians post-match and there are smiles all round. Beautiful scenes as Emily Chancellor speaks to the assembly and brings tears to the eyes of many. Lovely camaraderie from the Oceania sisters!

Starting strong! 💪

Best of luck for the rest of the tournament, @Manusina_SWR 🤝#Wallaroos #RWC2025 pic.twitter.com/YMnZJ2Y7ID

— Wallaroos (@WallaroosRugby) August 23, 2025