Samoa Resists: Rugby Lesson against England in Women’s World Cup

The Women’s Rugby World Cup has presented an interesting dilemma: although we have witnessed record attendance, vibrant atmospheres, and the emergence of new stars, we have also seen very uneven results in some matches. Following England’s victory over Samoa with a score of 92-3, the discussion about what teams actually achieve in these matches resurfaced. For England, the situation was somewhat delicate. A crushing victory was expected, but a narrow win would have generated questions. Samoa, for its part, suffered 14 tries, materializing the expected result. For the “Red Roses”, this victory provided coach John Mitchell with a selection challenge before facing Australia. In addition, it gave them a boost for the knockout stages, where they are expected to face tougher competition.

However, seeing Samoa walk the field at the end of the match, receiving applause, with smiles and tears, was witnessing a group of players who had already achieved a lot by reaching the World Cup. This team, made up of amateur players, some of whom had to take unpaid leave to participate in the competition, includes six mothers who left their families to face the best players in the world. Among them are property managers, teachers, and air traffic controllers. Coach Ramsey Tomokino, an IT manager, had to pause his post-match conference to control his emotions when recalling the experience of seeing his team being cheered upon arriving in Northampton.

Our girls deserve it so much.

Ramsey Tomokino

Captain Sui Pauaraisa was also moved. The reality is that this World Cup will inevitably have very uneven matches. Samoa, which did not face a top-level opponent in preparation for the tournament, faced England, which has a large amount of resources and 32 professional players.

They have to start somewhere.

John Mitchell

The key question is what’s next. More investment, more competitive matches, continuous access to better coaches, and less ego are needed for this World Cup to be a true springboard for the sport.

We have neighboring countries that do not want to help us.

Ramsey Tomokino

The impact of uneven matches is usually short-term. However, for those involved, especially those on the losing side of the scoreboard, these matches mean a lot. They are the justification for their effort and existence in rugby.

World Rugby gives us great support, but we need more backing and more opportunities. We don’t have the opportunity to play these days.

Ramsey Tomokino

Samoa longed for a try against England, but didn’t get it. However, they scored their first points of the World Cup with a penalty by Harmony Vatau. The unselected players celebrated, and so did the Samoan fans. They hope to face England again in the future, with the hope of seeing professional players in their team and a smaller difference on the scoreboard. That would be legacy and progress.