Australia (36) 78
Tries: Chapman 2, Kelleher 2, Church 2, Kelly 2, Robinson, Aiken, Kernick, Dodd, Weale, Penitani Grey, Bent Targets: Kelleher 9
England (0) 0
After speak of classes discovered and enhancements made, actuality struck quick for England. They conceded a penalty only one second into their match in opposition to Australia – as Lucy Murray was two yards offside from kick-off.
It set the tone for an additional humiliating defeat, one which exhibits the hole to the Jillaroos has not shrunk for the reason that thrashing in Las Vegas in March 2025.
On that event, England had been 38-0 down on the break earlier than dropping 90-4. In Perth, Australia led 36-0 on the interval earlier than successful 78-0.
England weren’t anticipated to beat World Cup co-hosts and reigning champions Australia in Group A. The Jillaroos have misplaced one worldwide since 2016.
It’s fairly one other factor for England to be as passive and error-prone as they had been on this sport, limp within the deal with and with questionable physique language. Solely six of this England squad had been in Las Vegas, however quality-wise little has modified.
After ceding benefit from the kick-off, England noticed off the preliminary hazard however had been caught out chasing the kick from their try-line. Australia countered and Jaime Chapman scored.
England muffed the kick off for the second time in succession, straight out of play. Australia instantly attacked; after seven minutes, Chapman received as much as take a excessive catch from Jocelyn Kelleher’s kick and rating.
After a short flash the place England thought they scored within the nook however Anna Davies’ knee was in contact, they cheaply give the ball away and Tamika Upton broke two tackles earlier than Kelleher crossed.
As Kelleher got here spherical over the try-line to enhance the place for the kick, wing Amelia Brown turned her again to play. It seemed England had already given up.
It was injury limitation for England, whereas the hosts may exhibit. After a rating from Julia Robinson – who suffered a damaged wrist shortly afterwards when being pinned by a workforce mate – Kelleher sliced in a swerving goal-kick of which Roberto Carlos could be proud.
Kelleher added her second attempt, and from the ensuing kick off they attacked once more, ending in Isabelle Kelly operating over Fran Goldthorp.
Abbi Church crossed within the nook for 36-0. Quickly after the restart, Australia went from one finish to the opposite for Tarryn Aitken to convey up 40.
Olivia Kernick ran by way of three gamers within the non-existent defence to attain, earlier than Quincy Dodd compelled over the tenth attempt underneath the posts.
Australia had been in full showboat mode. Kelleher chip-kicked for herself earlier than pinging an over-shoulder go that led to Church’s second attempt. The twelfth attempt got here as determined England defence was not sufficient to cease Makenzie Weale.
The thirteenth got here from Tiana Penitani Grey after a Brown knock-on, earlier than Australia captain Kelly scored her second.
Shaylee Bent concluded the thumping, ending a transfer the place a number of England tackles had been shrugged off with out blinking.
There was added ache for England as second row Eva Hunter exited with an ankle harm within the first half.
It provides to the lack of Jasmin Unusual, who picked up a critical knee harm in coaching on Tuesday and was pitchside on crutches.
Goldthorp, England’s greatest participant on the night time, carried on regardless of a nasty blow to her wrist.
As anticipated, England’s qualification will come all the way down to a decider in opposition to Samoa subsequent Friday – the place they should be higher.