Teenager Manu’a Moleka staked a genuine claim for a Wallaroos debut, starring alongside Piper Duck and Arabella McKenzie as Australia A secured a dominant 50-22 win over Samoa at Canberra’s Viking Park on Saturday.
With the Women’s Rugby World Cup in England less than two months away, this match loomed as a golden opportunity for players to push for selection ahead of the showpiece event, with the Wallaroos kicking off their campaign against the Samoans in Manchester.
Former Australia captain Duck and playmaker McKenzie were among those named for their first shot at international rugby in 2025, alongside Sally Fuesaina, Annabelle Codey, Alapeta Ngauamo and Samantha Wood.
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Duck stood out early on, with the backrower winning two turnovers in a four-minute span in the lead-up to the first try of the afternoon. Quick hands from the Australians create plenty of space out wide, with Moleka crossing for the opener.
Moleka completed a double later in the first half, stepping two before racing away for a superb score at the Canberra venue. Mckenzie crossed for Australia’s third try of the match soon after, scoring with a well-worked kick and chase – the hosts taking a 19-nil lead.
Manusina Samoa hit back in the 33rd minuet through Drenna Falaniko, before Queensland Reds flyer Caitlin Urwin added another five points to Australia A’s score early in the second term on the back of some fast feet and electric pace.
Samoa were next to strike, but it was all the Aussies from there. After calling on reinforcements from the bench, teenage sensation Waiaria Ellis all but sealed the win with some elusive play with 25 minutes left.
Backrower Tabua Tuinakauvadra was next to score with about 10 to go, before HSBC SVNS Series legend Charlotte Caslick set up winger Piper Flynn for another try. Samoa reduced the deficit with two late tries but the result was never in doubt.
It was a solid hit out for Australia A, with several players putting their hands up for higher honours while more-established Wallaroos also got some valuable minutes in ahead of the second Laurie O’Reilly Cup Test against New Zealand’s Black Ferns in a fortnight.
The Wallaroos started their international campaign with a 43-7 win over Fiji in May before a valiant loss to the New Zealanders a week later in Newcastle. After a historic win over Ilona Maher’s USA in Canberra, Australia were outmatched by World No. 2 Canada in Brisbane.
Australia will run out onto the field at Wellington’s Sky Stadium for a Test against New Zealand on July 12 before returning home, hosting Wales at Brisbane’s Ballymore Stadium on July 26 and again at North Sydney Oval on August 1.
