Rugby League Enthusiasts Celebrate Promising Debuts of Four Players in England’s 40-8 Victory over France
Toulouse, France – In a commanding 40-8 win over France on Saturday, England head coach Shaun Wane had the pleasure of handing out debuts to four promising young talents – Oliver Wilson (Huddersfield Giants), Elliot Minchella (Hull KR), Sam Wood (Castleford Tigers), and Brad O’Neill (Wigan Warriors).
Despite Wane’s absence due to ankle surgery, his assistant Andy Last took charge of the team, with Wane closely involved from his hospital bed, providing feedback before, during, and after the test match.
Speaking after the game, Last praised the performances of the debutants, highlighting their contributions and the valuable experience they gained.
“There were some strong performances,” Last noted. “Sam Wood was solid in the centre, making good defensive reads and carrying the ball effectively. Oliver Wilson played a strong, direct game, and will only improve with more minutes under his belt.”
Last also commended Brad O’Neill’s defensive work and Elliot Minchella’s solid contributions in the middle of the field, acknowledging that the limited practice time may have impacted their ability to fully showcase their ball-playing skills.
“All four of those will certainly be a lot better for the experience and they will go back to their clubs with that in mind, focus on playing well for their club, and that should allow them to be considered at the end of the season for the Samoa Tests,” Last added.
While Last admitted that it wasn’t a vintage performance from England, he highlighted the disruptive week the team had faced and the valuable lessons they’ll take away. The victory, despite the challenges, is a testament to the depth and potential of the English rugby league setup.
As the team prepares for the two-match Test series against World Cup finalists Samoa this autumn, the promising debuts of these four players have added to the excitement and anticipation surrounding the English national team’s future.
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