Rugby League Ashes: England series defeat by Australia is ‘reality check’

Having been soundly beaten in an error-strewn display at Wembley, Wane side’s were much improved on Saturday back in the rugby league heartlands of northern England.

In a rousing opening period, England forced mistakes from the Kangaroos and had all the field position and possession, but crucially did not make it count on the scoreboard.

Tellingly, England have now scored just one try over 160 minutes, with St Helens hooker Daryl Clark barging over late on in the loss in London.

In contrast, Australia have racked up six in two games – and when mistakes began to creep into the hosts’ play just after the break, it was a case of when, not if, they were going to be severely punished.

First Cameron Munster went over, and then so too did Hudson Young. From being level at 4-4, England were 10 points adrift.

“Proud for the majority of the game. I thought for 70 minutes we were good,” said Wane.

“The switch off for 10 minutes after half-time hurt us immensely. Munster’s first try was soft and should not be scored in a Test match.

“We’re devastated. So proud the players had a dig but so disappointed with that after half-time, which cost us dearly.”

While the next World Cup in Australia and Papua New Guinea is just under 12 months away, England’s immediate focus will be on trying to restore some pride, avoiding a series whitewash and eradicating the mistakes that irritated Wane.

“I wanted to see more thrown at Australia. I wanted us to build pressure in the game – we didn’t do that last week,” added the 61-year-old.

“We did this week. It’s just a bit of detail in our attack where we could have put them under more pressure. We need to defend both [tries] better.

“Fair play to Australia – that is no detriment to them. They turn up and are ruthless when they get a chance, and we weren’t, but defensively we can and should do better.

“They will be obsessed to win 3-0 and we need to be obsessed to make it 2-1. I’ve said that to the players. It has to be our obsession. It’s going to be a tough week but whoever wants it the most will get the win next week.”