Bright Halse in World Cup Debut: Australia Crushes Samoa 73-0

Dream Debut for Caitlyn Halse at the Women’s Rugby World Cup

Young Caitlyn Halse, only 18 years old, described her World Cup debut as “surreal” and “incredibly amazing”, after Australia’s resounding victory over Samoa with a score of 73-0. Halse, originally from Picton, New South Wales, became the youngest Australian player to participate in a Women’s Rugby World Cup. She marked her debut with two tries in a historic victory for the Wallaroos. With eleven international matches under his belt before the tournament, Halse revealed that his goal was to be part of the World Cup team from the beginning of 2024, a dream that came true at the Salford Stadium.

I would probably say it was surreal. Going out there, I don’t think I’d ever been in a stadium with so many fans watching me play.

Caitlyn Halse

The young player added:

It was very exciting, but definitely surreal to be there.

Caitlyn Halse

Caption: Caitlyn Halse of Australia beats Lutia Col Aumua of Samoa as she dives to score her team’s third try. David Rogers/Getty Images. Halse also commented:

Since I joined that team, I don’t think it was safe for me to come, but once I joined, it’s been something I’ve been working towards. Being here is truly amazing.

Caitlyn Halse

Despite the overwhelming victory, the Wallaroos managed to keep their goal at zero, despite the pressure exerted by Samoa, especially in the second half. Halse believes that this resilience will give them confidence for the crucial match against the United States next week.

It was a complete 80-minute match, [Samoa] is very tough, had many opportunities, but we stopped them. We can take a lot of confidence from that.

Caitlyn Halse

Regarding the next match, Halse added:

[United States] will be tough. More tactical than Samoa, but they will be in it for the 80 minutes again and I think we have to stick to what we do well.

Caitlyn Halse

When they unleashed their offensive and expansive game, Australia proved unstoppable, with Halse’s brace and Desiree Miller’s hat-trick in the first half, demonstrating what they are capable of when they move the ball. Along with right winger Maya Stewart, they form an attacking line capable of scoring points, despite the injury absence of seven-star Charlotte Caslick, before departing for Australia.

Unfortunately, we lost Charlotte before the tournament due to an ankle injury, but we have strong finishers like Desiree and Maya, and myself today.

Caitlyn Halse

Halse concluded:

We have strong backs, so let’s hope we can keep building on that and put the ball in their hands a little more.

Caitlyn Halse