Arabic version: أستراليا تسحق إنجلترا 78-0 في المجموعة الأولى بكأس العالم

According to The Guardian, Australia beat England 78-0 in a Women’s Rugby League World Cup Pool A match in Perth, scoring 15 tries to none. The result followed England’s 90-4 loss to the Jillaroos in Las Vegas last year and left England needing to refocus before next week’s match against Samoa.

England were offside from the kick-off, and Australia quickly took control. Tamika Upton broke through the line on her first carry before Tiana Penitani-Gray set up winger Jaime Chapman for the opening try. After England debutant half-back Jenna Foubister sent the restart out on the full, Jocelyn Kelleher kicked for Chapman, who claimed the ball and scored again.

England briefly appeared to score through Anna Davies, but the video referee ruled that her knee had reached the sideline before she grounded the ball. Upton made further linebreaks and set up Kelleher, while Julia Robinson crossed for Australia’s fourth try before leaving the field clutching her arm after a tackle by Shaylee Bent. Sariah Paki then made her debut.

Isabelle Kelly scored to make it 30-0, and Abbi Church finished a flowing attack as Australia led 36-0 at half-time. Tarryn Aiken, Olivia Kernick and replacement Quincy Dodd added early second-half tries. Australia had twice the possession, three times the run metres and 13 linebreaks to England’s none with 20 minutes remaining.

Makenzie Weale scored on debut from the bench, while Penitani-Gray, Kelly and Bent added late tries. Australia will play Wales next Sunday in Sydney, while England face Samoa on Friday and need a win to reach the semi-finals. Fiji are a likely semi-final opponent for Australia, while England would probably meet New Zealand if they progress.