Emily Rudge inspires England win in Papua New Guinea
Emily Rudge scored four tries as England women won their first match in Papua New Guinea 24-10 in front of a crowd of more than 7,000.
St Helens star Rudge made history with the first four-try haul for England women while Dannielle Anderson of Leeds and Wigan’s Rachel Thompson also touched down. All 24 of England’s points came from tries, with none of them converted.
England women’s head coach, Craig Richards, said: “I’m delighted with the effort from the girls as it was an absolute war of attrition.
“I was pleased to see the girls dig in and overcome the testing circumstances such as the weather, physicality and a vocal home crowd in Goroka.
“The whole point of coming to Papua New Guinea wasn’t for the scorelines but it was to put ourselves in tough environments and see how we react, and the girls reacted in this first Test.”
England Women: Stanley; Greenfield, Thompson, Williams, Gentles; Cunningham, Gaskin; Johnson, Jones, Field, Rudge, Crowl, Lacey. Subs: Booth, Roche, Anderson, Renouf.
Papua New Guinea Orchids: Schnaubelt; Ravu, Gwasamun, Kaiat, Allan; Watego, Malabag; Albert, Joe, Booth, Paisoi, Kaupa, Johns. Subs: Kapo, Sabume, Humeu, Monaei.
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