England’s final assembly with Australia was on the World Cup in Sydney eight years in the past – the place they have been overwhelmed 38-0.
Barrow and his gamers knew it was at all times going to be asking rather a lot to beat a facet filled with NRL Girls’s Premiership expertise, however the margin of the defeat got here as an enormous shock.
Roche was in tears on the pitch at full-time, and was embraced by each her head coach and Australia’s gamers.
The tone was set early, with 4 Australia tries within the opening quarter-hour: Robinson dived over within the nook from Ali Brigginshaw’s move, after which Penitani scored after a effective break by Kezie Apps was held up by England’s Anna Davies – earlier than two elegant kicks from the wonderful Tarryn Aiken arrange first Upton, then Mato.
Upton raced by twice to finish a first-half hat-trick, Kelly dodged the England defence for her first, and Robinson scored the eighth attempt of the half from one other Aiken set-up.
After an extended hold-up at the beginning of the second half as England’s Whitfield was handled on the pitch, Australia continued so as to add to the scoreboard. Kelly was arrange unselfishly by Yasmin Clydsdale, Upton crashed over once more for her fourth, then added a fifth, earlier than Sergis – having had a attempt dominated out for a push – arrange Robinson for her third.
Sergis then scored one which did depend from Aiken’s move, and was fed by Upton to dart by for a second, with Whitfeld going over within the nook in between.
Within the ultimate seven minutes, Sergis accomplished a second-half hat-trick, and Keilee Joseph scored simply following one other Apps break – earlier than Roche had the final phrase for England, and obtained the largest cheer of the night time.
