Two Sāmoan teenagers, two Black Ferns debuts and two tries scored

For Amarante Sititi and Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a, their Black Ferns debuts were never quite part of the plan.

But both Sāmoan teenagers made sure they would not be forgotten.

The 19-year-olds came off the bench at Go Media Stadium on Saturday and scored a try each as the Black Ferns ran in 10 tries to three in a 66-19 demolition of the Australian Wallaroos.

For Tuliau-Tua’a, the moment came soon after she entered the match.

The Chiefs back charged down a kick in her own goal, recovered the ball and raced away to push the Black Ferns out to a 59-7 lead.

Playing her first Test in front of family and friends made the moment even more special for the Sacred Heart Girls College alumna.

Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a celebrating her first Test try for the Black Ferns. Photo/Joshua Devenie/Photosport.

“It was good to get out there, and just makes everything feel like it all happened in God’s plan, and it feels good to be at home and play.

“If I was overseas it would have been different but I’ve got my family and friends here so it’s cool.”

Sititi had her own fairytale finish. The powerful forward crashed over from close range for the final try of the match, adding her name to the scoresheet on a day she had not expected to happen quite so soon.

Amarante Sititi takes on the Wallaroos defence during her Black Ferns debut at Go Media Stadium. The 19-year-old capped her first Test with a try.

The daughter of former Sāmoa international Lemalu Semo Sititi and younger sister of All Black Wallace Sititi, she is already part of a strong rugby family.

But even with that pedigree, making the Black Ferns still came as a surprise.

“It's really special, it's a big moment for our families, and I'm just really happy to be able to serve this country in the women's space.

“I was actually surprised I'm on the team, but I guess all in God's plan and we're meant to be here.”

Their journeys to the international stage may be different: Tuliau-Tua’a once dreamed of becoming a Silver Fern, while Sititi never expected to make the Black Ferns squad.

But their Sāmoan heritage has given their debuts another layer of meaning.

Black Ferns head coach Whitney Hansen, left, and captain Ruahei Demant during a media conference. Photo/Photosport/Joshua Devenie

Black Ferns captain Ruahei Demant said the pair are now part of a growing line of Pacific women showing younger girls what is possible in sport.

“The fact that two young poly girls are just being role models for our communities, They’re looking to the likes of Liana [Mikaele-Tu’u] and Maia [Roos] and all those other girls that have been in this space… and are a real role model for them to show them what is capable, and those girls are here living their dream,” Demant told a press conference.

Demant said Sititi and Tuliau-Tua’a are now becoming those role models for the next generation.

“They are showing the girls that are coming through in the next generation what is possible. So… really proud, really cool to see them be role models in that space for their communities.”

Head coach Whitney Hansen said the young duo had quickly added something special to the Black Ferns environment.

“They bring a great sort of fresh enthusiasm into our group, and they're both beautiful people that come from beautiful families," Hansen told journalists.

"So we're just pleased to have them in and amongst our group, and what a special group we have,” Hansen said in a media conference.

For two young Sāmoan women who arrived at Test rugby by very different routes, their first steps in the black jersey could hardly have been more memorable.

The Black Ferns now turn their attention to South Africa ahead of their their double-header against the Springboks Women in early September.

To keep up to date with the Black Ferns Test internationals, click here to view more.