After opening defeat by England most saw this game on paper as Wales’ best chance of making a mark at their maiden World Cup prior to their final pool match against reigning champions Australia.

It looked as though the debutants would get off to a dream start in Sydney as early errors left Samoa under pressure and camped on their try line.

But Frank Pritchard’s side weathered the storm to remind Wales of the challenge ahead, with Laikha Clarke crashing over to score Samoa’s first World Cup try in nearly 18 years.

Wales struggled to contain Samoa’s pace, power and quick passing, and the floodgates opened in just their second game against non-European opposition.

Mino-Sinapati, Amber Hall and an Ekepati double added three more Samoa tries to lead 28-0 after 28 minutes, and Taulelei-Siala and Ivana Loleiso added two more to lead 40-0 at the break.

Half-time arrived as a welcome reprieve for Wales after conceding 40 points in the first half for a second successive World Cup outing.

But any hope that the restart would bring more defensive solidity for Wales was pierced when Samoa captain Evana Isa’ako crossed for an eighth try and Monica Tahoai a ninth.

Mino-Siapati then added a 10th try with a stunning long-distance run before Taulelei-Siala joined her on a brace three minutes later.

Freedom Crichton Ropati, cousin of Stephen Crichton and sister-in-law of Brian To’o, crossed to score her first World Cup try aged 18.

Ekepati, Samoa’s talented 19-year-old centre, completed her hat-trick in the closing stages before Tavarna Papalii added a 14th try with 90 seconds to go.

Wales conclude their Pool action against co-hosts Australia in Sydney on Sunday, 1 November, while Samoa head to Wollongong to face England on Friday, 30 October.



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