Jillaroos beat Samoa 40-0 in World Cup opener
Australia captain Isabelle Kelly said her side could improve after Samoa's physical defence tested the defending champions in Sydney.
Australia opened its Rugby League World Cup campaign by defeating Samoa 40-0 in Sydney, with captain Isabelle Kelly acknowledging room for improvement despite the result.
Jamie Chapman crossed in the 10th minute before Julia Robinson, Shaylee Bent and Keeley Nizza added tries within nine minutes. Olivia Kernick also scored before the break, which Australia reached leading 28-0.
Samoa repeatedly held out the Jillaroos after half-time, while Australian errors also interrupted their attack. Keilee Joseph scored after the interval, and Tamika Upton later put Jess Sergis through for a try.
Laikha Clarke came close to scoring for Samoa after recovering a bobbled pass seven metres from the line and breaking through several defenders. She knocked on while diving for the line.
Kelly said Samoa's physicality had stood out and credited the opposition's preparation. She said Australia could play much better but regarded the match as a building block.
Samoa centre Sarina Masaga went down without contact late in the match, raising concerns about a possible Achilles injury.
