'We didn't expect that result': England humiliated by Las Vegas nightmare as Jillaroos pile on the pain in 86-point thrashing
Updated . First published at
The Jillaroos showed why they are atop the world rankings in women's rugby league with an 86-point thrashing that embarrassed England's Lionesses in Las Vegas, exposing a yawning gulf in class.
In what was the first top-level women's sporting event to be played at Allegiant Stadium since its construction in 2020, the Jillaroos crossed the line for 17 tries in 70 minutes.
The sensational scoreline left England "shocked" according to coach Stuart Barrow.
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"It was a shock for a lot of our girls today," Barrow said post match.
"(Australia) blew them away from the first five minutes because they haven't experienced anything at that intensity in the domestic and in our internationals that we have previously played.
"We tried to tell them that was coming. We watched a lot of video and tried to replicate that intensity in training but until you actually get out there and feel it... i think that caught the players by shock."
England women's rugby league coach Stuart Barrow speaks post-match. Nine
Barrow conceded that while the defeat was disappointing, he does not regret accepting the opportunity for England to face the world's best.
"It would've been really easy for us to just keep accepting the challenges of France and Wales in the Northern hemisphere... but we've learned some lessons today about what international rugby league is about at the highest level," he added.
"We will take a lot of learnings away from that but obviously we didn't expect that result today.
"We will have to review it and see where we go from here."
Tamika Upton of Australia scores a try against England. Getty
The statement match saw the experience and talent of Tamika Upton back in the spotlight with the 2023 Dally M winner scoring an incredible five tries.
England were put to the test early in Las Vegas as the Jillaroos powered over the line for five tries in the opening 20 minutes.
Julia Robinson was the first to draw blood as she charged over untouched in the corner to put four points on the board.
Tiana Penitani followed Robinson's efforts minutes later as she capitalised on the efforts of an impressive run and some fancy footwork by Kezie Apps down the middle.
Gold Coast Titans prop Shannon Mato was next before a gap in the line opened up space for some Upton magic.
Upton crossed twice in five minutes to extended Australia's lead to 24 before finding the line once more in the 25th minute to seal a first half hat-trick.
The Jillaroos continued to lift their intensity as England struggled to make an impact with the ball, but the rival nation had yet to make an error on the field.
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Keilee Joseph (R) of Australia celebrates with Jessica Sergis after scoring a try. Getty
Robinson crossed once more before Isabelle Kelly joined in on the scoring action to round out the first half.
"Don't these women just look like they are having fun in Vegas," Allana Ferguson said on Nine.
"It is a total team effort from the Jillaroos."
A sickening collision to open the second half did not halt Australia's momentum as Kelly planted the ball down in goal for her second of the match.
Upton and Robinson added an additional 12 points before setting up Jessica Sergis and Jakiya Whitfeld to find the line.
Australia's 17th and final try came in the 65th minute via Keilee Joseph.
England were able to salvage some pride with the final play of the game, with Georgia Roche powering over for her side's lone try on the stroke of full time, ensuring they avoided a 90-point defeat.
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