SAMOA was demolished 92-3 by England this morning. The scoreline was expected against the current world number one team.
Samoa was ranked 15th in the world going into the match.
Seasoned Number 8 Nina Foaese showed grit for Samoa, inspiring her team even though the Red Roses were far ahead on the scoreboard.
Foaese made significant tackles and was powerful in the crash ball contact.
Manusina captain Sui Pauaraisa linked up well with Foaese in the tackle areas to steal some key turnovers for Samoa.
England stuck to their gameplan. They perfected their rolling maul, attacking shapes and hit-ups in the middle, and whenever there was space, their star-studded backline was quick on the pounce in search for the try line.
In-form England center Megan Jones showed why she is the best outside center in the game today. Her carries were swift and too fast for Samoa.
The match was a meaningful one for England number 8, Maddie Feaunati who is of Samoan heritage. Feaunati was brilliant in packing down at the back of the scrums.
Samoa’s only points came from a successful penalty early in the second half. Fly half Harmony Vatau was happy to slot that in.
Perhaps the biggest take back for the Manusina was their domination of the scrums. At one point, the England forward pack had no answer to Samoa’s power up front. In terms of the lineouts, Samoa was superb in their variations.
Samoa had nothing to lose and played with pride until the final whistle. England showed their class and quality while Samoa showed their heart and pride.
In the end, the Red Roses were too strong and dotted down a total of 14 tries – seven in each half.
Samoa’s last pool match will be against the USA next Sunday.