Players sent home, the coach storming out of a press conference and defeat in the first game – but England’s World Cup campaign finally ignited with a brilliant performance against Ireland in Huddersfield.
England thrash Ireland
Anybody who had any doubts England would defeat underdogs Ireland at a sold-out John Smith’s Stadium in Huddersfield had them blown away by a stunning performance from the favourites.
In front of a capacity crowd of over 24,000 fans England romped to a 42-0 victory with Leeds Rhinos’ winger Ryan Hall capping a superb first half performance with a hat trick to become England’s highest ever goal scorer.
Hull FC winger Tom Briscoe also scored twice to put his claim forward as he was starting at the expense of Wigan Warriors’ star Josh Charnley. Meanwhile, another addition to the squad, Brett Ferres, also touched down before half time.
After taking in a 30-0 lead at the break England continued to dominate Kallum Watkins and Rangi Chase both scored in the second half. Captain Kevin Sinfield kicked four goals and Gareth Widdop one to take the total to a resounding 42-0.
England impress
Ryan Hall passed Sam Tomkins as England’s leading try scorer of all time and took all the headlines after the Ireland game but this was a match that saw all of England’s players assert their dominance.
There were no signs Tomkins, the world’s most expensive player, was upset to see his record go as he was his usual creative best when he burst through to set up Chase in the second half with a pinpoint kick.
In particular Brett Ferres was a constant threat with strong running and clever offloads in his home stadium. England’s decision to bring on Gareth Widdop also paid dividends when he set up Watkins’ try with a clever kick. It shows England have options by dropping Kevin Sinfield back into the hooker position and gives coach Steve McNamara plenty to think about before their third game against Fiji.
Hardaker departs
Gareth Hock has already left the England squad for disciplinary reasons and now Zak Hardaker has announced he will take no further part in the tournament because of ‘personal reasons’.
The Leeds Rhinos full-back has left the squad immediately but coach Steve McNamara insists it is not a disciplinary matter and the player will have the full support of the England setup.
A short statement read: “No replacements have been called up. England Rugby League will work with Zak’s club, Leeds Rhinos, to support him during this period. Zak requests that the media respects his privacy at this time.”
Wales crash out
It was sad news for Wales who crashed out of the Rugby League World Cup 2013 after defeat to the tournament’s surprise package, the USA.
Wales were defeated 24-16 with only Christiaan Roets (twice) and Anthony Walker scoring for the side while the USA ran in five of their own and withstood plenty of pressure to record their second win in as many games. The result means Wales are out of the tournament, a bitter disappointment to the home crowd.
At the summit of Group C, Italy and Scotland drew 30-30 in a thrilling game to leave both sides unbeaten going into the final game. Scotland scored through Matt Russell, Kane Linnett, Danny Addy and Ben Hellewell (twice) scored for Scotland, who also saw Danny Brough kick five conversions in the match.
And finally…
Leeds Rhinos have accepted a transfer request from hooker Paul McShane after the 23-year-old asked to leave the club. Despite playing 24 times at the club last season he has decided his future is elsewhere.
Meanwhile, Wigan Warriors have completed the signing of John Bateman from Bradford Bulls on a three-year deal. The youngster is seen as one to the future for the Super League and Challenge Cup winners.
Article source: http://www.examiner.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/old-crossleyans-set-rugby-union-5835441
Five things learned from England versus Ireland in the 2013 Rugby League ...
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