Wane laughs off Aussie jibes

SHAUN WANE hit back at claims from Australia that the World Cup has been rigged in England’s favour. The Australian media have moaned that the host nation have been given a full week off between games, while other sides have had shorter turnaround times and had trouble with training facilities and finding hotels. Wane laughed off those suggestions yesterday, pointing out that the Kangaroos — who play their semi-final against New Zealand tomorrow — will have an extra day’s rest over England if they both reach the final on Saturday week. ‘I’ve never heard that before, and I never thought I would hear that,’ said the England coach (left) when the accusations were put to him by an Australian journalist. ‘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 are on Saturday, so they have got another 24 hours on us to relax in a steam room. ‘I think 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 are changing hotels this weekend, travelling to London. But we look at that as exciting.’ England’s semi-final takes place at the Emirates against Samoa, the team they thrashed 60-6 in the opener. Wane expects a different test against a side boasting six players from NRL champions Penrith Panthers. ‘We have not even referenced that game,’ said Wane. ‘We know it’s a different team. They will challenge us and it’s got the makings of a really good hit out.’

Kick-off: Saturday, 2.30pm.

TV: LIVE on BBC One from 1.45pm.