Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
ENGLAND RUMBLE... AS RIVALS GRUMBLE
England coach Wane dismisses moaning from some countries that the structure of the World Cup has favoured his side... ’I NEVER THOUGHT I’D HEAR THAT’
ENGLAND boss 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.”
England play Samoa in the semi-finals at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
Champions Australia – who have won eight of the last nine tournaments – meet No.1-ranked New Zealand in the other semi-final tomorrow night at Elland Road.
But there have been mutterings from some quarters about how the competition been structured by Rugby League World Cup 2021 organisers.
Hotel availability, the need to change hotels and short turnarounds have irked some, while hosts England have been deemed to have an easy ride.
But when asked about the comment, Wane smiled: “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 (Dom Young scoring, right) 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 Final-winning side still getting over those celebrations. And Samoa have won every game since, producing a stunning victory over No.2 ranked Tonga in Sunday’s quarter-final.
Wane, who has brought prop Luke Thompson back into the side, insists they will not be complacent.
“They’re not that sort of group,” he said. “We never mentioned the first game.
“Everything’s been about Samoa and Tonga. They played really well. We’ve not even referenced it.
“We know it’s a different team. They’re talented with a lot of really good players from the NRL. They’ll challenge us.
It’s the makings of a really good hit-out. We’re very positive and respectful to Samoa. We’re all excited to toddle down to London and put a show on.
“And I think we’re stronger than when we played Samoa.
We’re doing things better. And I know we’ll improve and can improve.”
Samoa captain Junior Paulo (below) had his one-match ban for striking Tonga’s David Fifita overturned on Tuesday night. But Wane was not fussed about the prop getting off.
He said: “I’m glad he’s in the team. He’s a good player. He’ll make it to the competition on Saturday. We’ll challenge him.” Somebody who can do that is Canterbury prop Thompson, recalled after being a shock exclusion from Saturday’s quarter-final win over Papua New Guinea.
He has been selected at the expense of St Helens’ Matty Lees and asked if Thompson had a point to prove, Wane replied: “I hope so.
“He needs to fire up and play the best he can. I’m sure he will.”