Manusima celebrating their win against Australia A. Photo: Lakapi Samoa
Manusina Samoa turn their focus to the upcoming WXVs competition in Dubai after they defeated Australia A 20-17 on Apia Park, on Monday evening.
They are scheduled to meet Fiji, Hong Kong China, Samoa and Spain from 27 September.
Monday's clash against Australia A marked playing their first home game since 2009.
Samoa Observer said the game was a tight one, with the teams tied 12-12 at halftime.
Both teams then scored a try each in the second spell but the winner for the home team was flyhalf Cassie Siatoga.
The flyhalf slotted the ball in between the uprights and over the crossbar to give her team a much-celebrated win.
Action from the Manusima and Australia A clash in Apia, on Monday evening. Photo: Lakapi Samoa
Masuisuimatamaalii (Sui) Tauasa Pauaraisa, who previously played for the New Zealand Warriors in the NRL Women's Premiership, captained the Samaon side.
She will also lead the side to Dubai, where they will also be fighting to win a spot at the 2026 Rugby World Cup.
"Words never describe the feeling of playing your first-ever Manusina game for your country in front of our beloved people," she said.
"It was a huge honour and privilege to lead and captain our Manusina team in Samoa and an awesome opportunity to get in a quality match and showcase the many talented Tama'ita'i [women] in Samoa through rugby.
"Thank you to Australia. It was a great game. The win was not easy. I want to thank all the Manusina players, their families and the coaches who believed in us.
"We take this victory and look forward to the next step in our journey."
Flyhalf Cassie Siatoga Photo: Lakapi Samoa
The match was also culmination of a week-long tour the Australia A team undertook in Samoa.
The tour was by the PacificAus Sports program.
Jilly Collins, General Manager of Women's Rugby at Rugby Australia, said it was an experience for the Australia A players.
"We're delighted that our PacificAus Sports partnership with the Australian Government will support an Australia A women's team tour to Samoa," Collins said.
"Playing against Manusina will provide a unique and enriching experience for all involved and further strengthen our women's rugby partnership with Samoa."
Lakapi Samoa chief executive officer Faleomavaega Vincent Fepulea'i said playing the Australia A and competing at the WXV3 tournament are important steppingstones for Manusima, towards qualification for the Women's Rugby World Cup, to be held in England next year.
"We want to acknowledge the support of the Australian Government through PacificAus Sports in making this fixture a reality," he said.
"Without this … it would have been extremely tough for [the] Manusina to have some meaningful competition before attempting to qualify for the Women's Rugby World Cup. Having a first-class fixture in Samoa greatly boosts our women's game."
Manusima celebrating their win against Australia A. Photo: Lakapi Samoa. Photo: Lakapi Samoa
