Samoa defeat France in record-breaking World Cup opener

Samoa has opened its Rugby League World Cup campaign with a 78-4 victory over France at CommBank Stadium in Sydney. The win, which featured 14 tries, marks the highest number of points and the largest winning margin ever recorded by Toa Samoa in a World Cup match. Sua Fa’alogo scored four tries during the match, while Stephen Crichton converted 11 goals.

In the same tournament, the Australian women's team defeated the Samoan women's team 40-0. The women's tournament features eight teams in two pools of four, with the top two from each pool advancing to the semi-finals.

Police have warned fans to celebrate safely during the month-long tournament, which is being held in Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea. Officers will be visible in Auckland, Christchurch, and Wellington to prevent disruptions such as street crowding, fighting, or dangerous driving.

Authorities noted that previous celebrations have resulted in serious injuries and mass brawls. During the 2022 tournament, one person was seriously injured after sliding off a moving vehicle. At the 2017 tournament, six people were arrested following a brawl involving approximately 200 Samoan and Tongan supporters in an Ōtara carpark.

How it developed

• Sat 17 Oct, 11:32amSamoa's women's team lost their opening game 40-0 to defending champions Australia.

Compiled from reports by NZ Herald, Stuff, 1News and RNZ.