Samoa’s Manusina thrashed Tonga 64‑14 in their opening Oceania Women’s Rugby Championship match on Tuesday in Sigatoka, Fiji.
The Manusina stamped authority early, racing to a 33‑0 lead by half‑time as speed, structured play and dominant forwards underpinned their performance. The second half saw Samoa maintain control, eventually running up ten tries to Tonga’s late two .
Captain Masuimatamaalii Tauasa Pauaraisa, recently awarded the Seiuli Fiao’o Fa’amausili Women’s Player of the Year, praised the team’s debutants: “We came over from Auckland and we got seven debutants and I’m so proud of them”. She added their focus now turns to Saturday’s decider against Fijiana.
Tonga captain Tonga Tuiaki said the tournament offers valuable lessons for their mostly locally based squad: “I think our team did great and I’m super proud of them – even though for some of the girls it’s a new level…”.
The championship, featuring Fiji, Samoa and Tonga, is being held at Lawaqa Park from 6–14 June. Fiji opened with a 59‑5 win over Tonga and await Samoa in Saturday’s final showdown.
