Women's Rugby League World Cup: England lose to Australia & biting claim dismissed

The Jillaroos ran in eight unanswered tries against England to win their second game of the World Cup

England lost 38-0 to holders Australia at the Women's Rugby League World Cup, while Jillaroos centre Isabelle Kelly was cleared of a biting allegation which was made during the game.

England prop Chantelle Crowl claimed Kelly bit her forearm during a first half the Jillaroos dominated, scoring 24 points without reply.

However, the review panel confirmed no charges would be brought.

Australia ran in eight tries to none, with Meg Ward scoring twice.

There have been two previous biting allegations in the men's tournament - one of which involved England's Jermaine McGillvary - but both were later found not guilty following a hearing and review by the judiciary.

Australia now top Pool A after two wins, with England second with one victory. Cook Islands are bottom of England's group and were demolished 76-0 in their cross-pool fixture against Pool B leaders New Zealand in the second of Sunday's triple header in Sydney.

Canada beat Papua New Guinea 22-8 in the day's final game to record their first victory and boost their hopes of a semi-final spot.

Two teams qualify for the semi-finals from each of the two three-team pools.

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Favourites Australia remain dominant

Chantelle Crowl (wearing 15), claimed to have been bitten on the forearm

Perhaps to be expected, the Jillaroos had England on the back foot throughout, and the Lionesses' fortunes faded further when centre Amy Hardcastle was forced off with an ankle injury.

Slick hands put Kelly in on the left, while Nakia Davis-Welsh finished off a flowing, long-range try before Ward got her first.

Chelsea Baker capitalised on sloppy play to hack on for the fourth score of the half, before Elianna Walton brushed the England defence aside to cross.

Further tries by Kezie Apps, Caitlin Moran and Ward against a tiring defence after the break added an unflattering look to the scoreline for the Lionesses.

What next for England?

England complete their group stage campaign against the winless Cook Islands on Wednesday in another Sydney triple-header.

Australia play Canada, while New Zealand take on Papua New Guinea.

You can watch all of England Lionesses' Women's Rugby League World Cup matches on the RFL's Ourleague website

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