England Tough Night in Vegas: A Harsh Reality Check for Women’s Rugby League

England’s women’s rugby league team faced one of their toughest challenges in recent memory when they were handed a humiliating 90-4 defeat by Australia in Las Vegas. The result, the largest margin of defeat in the history of the Lionesses (whether as England or Great Britain), was a painful experience, one that highlighted the significant gap in both physical preparation and investment between the two nations. For the English players, it was a night to forget, but also one that could prove to be a crucial learning experience as they look toward improving their game.

England’s Defeat: A Wake-Up Call

The game in Las Vegas was meant to be a test for England’s women’s rugby league team, a chance to challenge themselves against one of the most dominant forces in world rugby. However, what transpired at the Allegiant Stadium was nothing short of a reality check. Australia’s ruthless and consistent performance left England struggling to stay competitive throughout the 70-minute match. Both England’s captain, Jodie Cunningham, and centre Amy Hardcastle, while disappointed by the scoreline, acknowledged the importance of the lessons learned from such a devastating defeat.

For Hardcastle, the experience was akin to being “in a washing machine,” an apt description of the relentless pressure that Australia’s Jillaroos applied. Cunningham echoed similar sentiments, stating that the team knew exactly what they needed to work on to improve. Despite the overwhelming scoreline, the English players maintained their effort and commitment until the very end, with Georgia Roche scoring the final try of the game. The fact that England managed to get on the scoreboard after conceding 17 tries underscored the resilience and character of the team.

England’s Struggles: Lack of Ball Possession

Jodie Cunningham runs with the ball

One of the key reasons behind England’s heavy defeat was their inability to gain possession of the ball. For much of the match, the English women found themselves defending against Australia’s offensive onslaught. Hardcastle and Cunningham both highlighted the fact that England simply could not hold onto the ball long enough to create meaningful scoring opportunities. This issue of ball control is something that needs addressing if England are to close the gap between themselves and the world’s top rugby league nations.

The disparity in ball possession was evident throughout the game. England spent the majority of the match on the back foot, with Australia’s superior fitness and tactical play overwhelming them at every turn. Cunningham, in particular, pointed out that Australia’s athletes are at a different level due to the professional environment they enjoy. With players in the NRL Women’s Premiership (NRLW) either full-time or semi-professional, there is a significant gulf in terms of experience, training, and physical conditioning between the two teams.

England’s Resilience Despite the Defeat

Australia 90-4 England: Lionesses suffer record defeat in Las Vegas

While the loss was difficult to digest, England’s resilience was one of the standout elements of the game. Even though their hopes of making the match competitive were dashed early on, the English players kept fighting. Hardcastle, for instance, acknowledged that while the scoreline was painful, the experience of playing against a top-tier team like Australia had been invaluable. “It’s been worth that 70 minutes,” Hardcastle said after the match, referring to the brutal nature of the game. For her, and for many others on the team, the experience of facing the best team in the world provided insights into what England needs to do to improve.

Cunningham, too, praised the heart and effort displayed by the team. Despite being outclassed, England never gave up, and the fact they managed to score a try late in the game was a testament to their character. “The effort was there, we didn’t give up,” Cunningham said. For her, the team’s spirit and determination, despite the overwhelming defeat, were the real positives to take from the game.

England’s Path to Improvement: A Work in Progress

The result in Las Vegas highlighted the need for significant investment and development within women’s rugby league in England. Cunningham had pointed out in a pre-match interview with Sky Sports that there was a massive gap in funding between the domestic game in England and Australia. While players in the NRLW enjoy full-time or semi-professional status, the women in England’s Super League are often either semi-professional or play purely for expenses. This gulf in investment was glaringly obvious in the England vs. Australia match, as the Australian players, who are better supported and more physically developed, dominated from start to finish.

This disparity in resources is not something that can be corrected overnight. However, as Cunningham said, England has a great squad, and with the right investment and effort, they have the potential to close the gap. The experience of playing against a team like Australia can only serve to highlight areas of improvement for the England team as they work toward the next World Cup.

The Role of Experience in Closing the Gap

The inclusion of players from England’s Super League in the NRLW could prove to be an important factor in bridging the gap between the two nations. Players like Georgia Roche, who plays for the Newcastle Knights, and Hollie-Mae Dodd, who is with the Canberra Raiders, have already gained valuable experience in Australia’s premier women’s rugby league competition. These players bring back invaluable insights into the level of professionalism required to compete at the highest level, and their experiences will be crucial as England looks to raise their standards.

Additionally, England’s staff and coaching team have been working hard to create a strong foundation for the future. They understand that the physicality and intensity of the NRLW set the benchmark for what is required to succeed at the international level. With the right focus on fitness, skills development, and tactical improvements, England’s women’s rugby league team can make significant strides forward.

England’s Long Road Ahead

While the painful defeat in Las Vegas was a harsh reminder of the work England has ahead, it also offers a clear blueprint for improvement. The gulf in standards between England and Australia is clear, but it is not an insurmountable gap. With the right support, resources, and commitment, England can evolve into a team capable of challenging Australia and New Zealand for supremacy.

As Cunningham rightly pointed out, the growth of women’s rugby league in Australia has been evident for some time, and it is now time for England to invest similarly in their players and infrastructure. This will require long-term planning, but the potential is there for England to develop into a world-class team that can compete at the highest level.

In the immediate future, the pain of the defeat in Las Vegas will serve as a catalyst for change. The English players will take this experience, learn from it, and come back stronger. The journey may be long, but with determination and hard work, England’s women’s rugby league team has the potential to reach new heights in the coming years.

Conclusion: The Lessons from Las Vegas

The tough night in Las Vegas may have been a chastening experience for England’s women’s rugby league team, but it has also provided them with valuable lessons. The performance against Australia exposed the significant gap in physical preparation and investment, but it also demonstrated the resilience and character of the English players. They know what they need to work on, and they are committed to improving. The road ahead may be challenging, but with the right resources and support, England can continue to grow and compete with the best teams in the world. The painful memories of this defeat could ultimately make England a stronger, more competitive team in the future.