England head coach Stuart Barrow insists his side remain positive of reaching the Women's Rugby League World Cup semi-finals, despite being 'blown away' in a 78-0 drubbing by Australia on Saturday. Nineteen months on from a humbling 90-4 loss to Australia in Las Vegas, England suffered another heavy defeat against the same opposition after the Jillaroos ran in 15 tries during a one-sided contest.
England now travel from Perth to Wollongong for Friday's winner-takes-all clash with Samoa (6.45am GMT), where a victory is required to finish second in Group A and reach the knockout stages.
Barrow told reporters that players at Vegas were not part of what happened. He said the team didn't help themselves, but positivity remains and players don't want to go home. He added the young group had to change after Vegas and made changes. Barrow was pleased with commitment of his young England side, saying they fought well for 70 minutes and competed, but were beaten by a far better team with too much quality. He said they kept trying, but once Australia got a roll on, no team can compete; they were too quick, too skilful and too fast.
Source: Sky Sports Champions League · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing