DELIGHTED England captain Emily Rudge spoke of the “incredible” moment leading her country out at a home World Cup - and a date with royalty to come.
The emphatic hosts eased to their expected victory against a Brazil side who were playing only their third game of rugby league. Rampant England amassed 14 tries in the Headingley opener, a perfect start ahead of Saturday’s double-header at Wigan. There, they face Canada before the men’s team tackle Papua New Guinea in their quarter-final and the Princess of Wales - the RFL's Royal Patron - will attend.
On hearing that news, St Helens second-row Rudge - who works as a PE teacher - said: “That is so incredible. It’ll be special for everyone representing rugby league and England. And what a special moment to add to this. Today was such a proud moment for everyone, not just myself. The atmosphere was outstanding and I loved so many people getting behind us, the bands and all the kids cheering us on made it so special.
“Some of the girls in the crowd are the future stars of this sport and I’m really fortunate my school was in there, too. As a team, there’s stuff we can work on and all the girls are aware we can be sharper. But, overall, we’re really pleased with the win.”
Played in front of 8,621, a record crowd for a women’s rugby league game in the UK and including plenty of enthralled school children, organisers hope this tournament will see the sport follow the lead of football's Lionesses.
Barnstorming St Helens centre Amy Hardcastle and Leeds scrum-half Courtney Winfield-Hill - the Australian former Big Bash cricketer - both grabbed hat-tricks. Winfield-Hill also had a hand in many of England’s best moments while York’s brilliant sidestepping centre Tara-Jane Stanley quickly showed why she’ll be a star of this tournament with a brace.
She also booted seven goals while Caitlin Beevers, Grace Field, Fran Goldthorp, Oliva Wood, Tara Jones and Leah Burke with the other tryscorers. But England didn’t have it all their own way.
Newcomers Brazil, particularly in the middle, put in some fierce hits that will leave England’s players feeling bruised and battered tomorrow morning. And the biggest cheer of the afternoon came just before the hour mark when the Amazonas scored their first World Cup try. Full-back Natalia Momberg is the lucky lady to go down in the history books.
She sped over after a lovely slip ball from prop Paula Casemiro. Brazil coach Paul Grundy said: “She really deserved that. She’s come from not understanding the sport at all to someone who’s really quite handy.
"We spotted her in about two minutes of video action on a mobile phone. Overall, I can’t say I’m disappointed. They put it all in from the start to finish. And we’ll learn from it. I’m proud.”
