THERE’S BEEN NO HOME BIAS FOR MY BOYS
Wane hits back at moaners
ENGLAND coach Shaun Wane hit back at suggestions the World Cup’s schedule has been worked in their favour, insisting: “I never thought I’d hear that.”
Wane’s side face Samoa in the semi-finals at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
Champions Australia – who have won eight of the past nine tournaments – meet the No.1ranked New Zealand in the other semi-final tomorrow night at Elland Road.
But there have been mutterings from some quarters about how the tournament has been structured by Rugby League World Cup 2021 organisers.
Hotel availability, the need to change accommodation mid-competition and short turnarounds have irked some, while hosts England have been deemed to have had an easy ride.
But Wane said: “I’ve never, ever heard that before – and I never thought I would hear that. I just don’t see where that would come from. That’s definitely not what I am seeing. The Aussies are playing Friday and we’re on Saturday. They’ll have 24 hours in a steam room, so they are relaxed. They’ve got another 24 hours on us.
“The World Cup has done a great job in organising what they have done. We have had seven-day turnarounds and I don’t think any team can moan about changing hotels. We’re changing hotels this weekend, travelling down to London – but we look at that as exciting.”
England demolished Samoa 60-6 in their opening group game on the first day of the tournament.
But their rivals were massively undercooked, having only had a couple of training sessions beforehand and many of their NRL Grand Finalwinning side still
getting over those celebrations. Samoa have won every game since, producing a stunning victory against No.2ranked Tonga in Sunday’s quarter-final.
Wane, who has brought prop Luke Thompson back in to his side, said: “We know it’s a different team. They’re talented with a lot of really good players from the NRL. They’ll challenge us. We’re very positive and respectful to Samoa.
“But we’re stronger than when we played Samoa. We’re doing things better. I know we’ll improve and can improve.”