Three unanswered second half tries from Audrey Salma Nadaya-Harb, Eden Alexsandra Melham, and, late on, Saja Rifei saw Lebanon’s women defeat Malta 26-10 at Collegians Sports & Performance Centre, Sydney.

The sides were level at the break, Annalise Xerri crossing just before it after Amirah El-Abdallah - who had replied for Lebanon - was sinbinned for a professional foul, but the Junipers regrouped and dominated the second period.

Lebanon women’s head coach, Sam Ayache, commented: “You could see the emotions and pride on both sides in representing their nations. For my girls as the game went on they got better, it was a bit scrappy but you can expect that from a really young team. 

“We had a plan in terms of getting some younger girls involved and them ready for the 2030 World Cup qualifying process. We salute the girls playing back home in Lebanon and hope we can now bring the squad together.”

Malta opened the scoring in the seventh minute through centre Mackenzie Cassar but ultimately ran out of steam. “It was about learning and a good effort in our first match for three years,” said Dames’ head coach Luke Fellows.

“We’ll get back to the drawing board and come back stronger, they all put their hands up for the Maltese jersey and every single one of them showed the pride we talked about.”

MALTA 10

Nerida Gregory, Chloe Saliba, Victoria Coppini, Mackenzie Cassar, Kristy Sant, Georgie Zahra, Kiah Taofi, Taylah Grech, Talara Tonna, Margot Vella, Tahlia Shuker, Sherina Cauchi, Holly Czornobej, 

Subs: Jessica Borg, Molly Mamo, Emile McCue, Annalise Xerri

Tries: Cassar (7), Xerri (37)

Goals: Cassar 1/2

LEBANON 26

Amal Dandan, Amani Saraya, Amirah El Abdallah, Anabelle Khoury, Audrey Salma Nadaya-Harb, Brianna Lillian Ali, Dalia Nabhan, Dounya Ghanem, Ebonie Moses, Eden Alexsanra Melham, Eleni El Azar, Ella Hussein, Kenzie Moujalli

Subs: Lilliano Purnell, Myah Tumupu, Olivia Rose Saba, Saja Rifei

Tries: El-Abdallah (12), Saba (13), Salma Nadaya-Harb (47), Alexsandra Melham (62), Rifei (78)

Goals: Salma Nadaya-Harb (3/5)

Sinbin

El-Abdallah (36 – professional foul)

Referee: Thomas Inness

Half time: 10-10