A host of Wallaroos hopefuls have done their Rugby World Cup aspirations a massive boost as Australia A thumped Samoa 50-22 in Canberra.
Manu’a Moleka was the pick of the bunch as she pushed for a Wallaroos debut, crossing for a first half double as they cruised away for the win.
Watch the game in the player below or click the link from 11:30 am AEST
Returning duo Piper Duck and Arabella McKenzie were also excellent on their returns to the gold jersey, with Sevens playmaker Tia Hinds stepping up at flyhalf.
The opener was set up by the work of Duck, who won two turnovers in the space of four minutes to set up prime field position.
Quick hands from Hinds on either side of the ruck created acres of space for Moleka’s first try, but it was her second that was the standout for the Brumby.
The younger sister of Faitala stepped two and sprinted clear of the covering defence for a lovely try.
Centres partner McKenzie was also solid on her return in the gold jersey with a superb solo kick and chase try for a 19-0 lead.
Samoa got on the board in the 33rd minute through Drenna Falaniko, with Caitlin Urwin providing the instant response right before half-time.
The Reds winger delivered a lovely in-and-out to beat her defender and race over the line to give Australia A a 26-5 half-time lead.
Samoa reduced the margin after the break via Melina Salale as the Aussies rang in the changes.
One of which was teenage sensation Waiaria Ellis, who delivered a perfect pair of steps to break the Samoan defence to seal the win with 25 minutes.
Ellis was elusive the entire stint with her trademark step that set up multiple breaks, joined in kind by Charlotte Caslick off the bench.
Number eight Tabua Tuinakauvadra was also at her explosive best as the Brumby saluted with ten minutes left in the game with one of several bursts.
Caslick helped Australia to the half century after a gutsy ball at the line for winger Piper Flynn to score a well deserved try.
Two late tries reduced the margin for Samoa but it was all the hosts as several big-name Wallaroos received valuable minutes ahead of the second O'Reilly Cup against New Zealand in a fortnight
Australia A 50 (Moleka 2, McKenzie, Urwin, Ellis, Tuinakauvadra, Flynn, Chancellor tries; Cramer 5 cons) def Samoa 22
