Shaun Wane has promised that England will improve after a stunning 60-6 win over Samoa gave their World Cup lift-off.
Despite going into the game as underdogs, Wane’s men destroyed one of the tournament favourites with a devastating 10-try display to underline their own credentials as genuine World Cup contenders.
“You can’t get away from how much talent we played against today,” Wane told The Sportsman. “Hopefully this will show people that we can play.”
After an opening ceremony curtailed by a St James’ Park power failure that left Kaiser Chiefs’ frontman Ricky Wilson playing touchline cheerleader, Wane’s side produced a riot that few predicted.
Samoa were stifled by England’s confrontational defensive efforts, with their head coach Matt Parish confirming three tournament-ending injuries to Tyrone May, Braden Hamlin-Uele and Hampson Tabuai-Fidlow.
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Led by impressive half-backs George Williams and Jack Welsby, England sent giant winger Dom Young in for two first-half tries as they built a platform that strengthened the longer the game went on. They added six tries in the final 16 minutes as Samoa completely fell apart.
The result leaves England as huge favourites to win the group ahead of their next games against France and Greece, which would mean avoiding a quarter-final with Tonga.
“There is improvement in us no question. I don’t want to come across as arrogant or disrespectful to Samoa but we can improve there is no doubt about that.
“It was really good defence and intense pressure. Our discipline was good. I was happy with the pressure we put them under
“We have to get better though. We will improve. We will have a good week this week and get ready for France and Greece.”
Wane believes the spectacular win, and moreover the manner of it, will go a long way to silencing England’s doubters, with the hosts having started the tournament as fifth favourites to go all the way, behind Samoa, Tonga, New Zealand and Australia.
“I know nobody gave us a chance to win the game but we knew how we had trained and what we could do and I enjoyed all that negativity to be honest. Whatever people comment on us is entirely up to them.
“Samoa are a very good team, outstanding, no question. Their attack wasn’t as good as what it can be but we defended well and I can’t give our lads enough praise.
“This meant a great deal. I’m really pleased for the players, to see Sam Tomkins lead them out as captain gave me so much satisfaction it’s untrue.”
Sydney Roosters forward Victor Radley was named Man of the Match by broadcasters the BBC, but Wane believes the recognition should have gone elsewhere.
“There were other players. Rads can do much better, he won’t mind me saying that. Rads can play miles better than that, no question. Jack Welsby and Kallum Watkins were outstanding, and George Williams brilliant. Sam too was really, really good. There were a few players.
“George’s selection was absolutely never in doubt as I know what he can do and what Micky [McIlorum] can do. I’ve known them since they were kids and when the heat is on they turn up.”
Wane has revealed he will make changes for next Saturday’s game against France at Bolton, with all seven of the squad left out against Samoa set to feature.
“France will get the respect they deserve now but it was a very tough week for me leaving them out and all of them they will play.
“The spirit within the lads is fantastic. They buy into what I want to do and I do the same with them.
“We won’t think about avoiding people now. We have to win.”
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