Rampant England have plenty of wings. But they don’t need any prayers.
Shaun Wane’s side will undoubtedly complete a 100 percent Group A winning record against minnows Greece next weekend. But the coach’s main job is then deciding his best 13 for the quarter-final and latter stages to come. When it comes to wingers, he’s spoilt for choice.
Exhilarating rookie Dom Young bagged another double against France on Saturday after doing the same the week before on his Test debut versus Samoa. Wane rested Golden Boot winner Tommy Makinson, duly bringing back England’s record try-scorer Ryan Hall who grabbed a brace to increase his incredible tally to 37 in 39 games. Hull KR’s Hall, who turns 35 next month, also became the joint-third highest try-scorer in Test history with Kangaroos great Darren Lockyer. Only Ken Irvine (40) and Mick Sullivan (45) stand above him.
He’s already a legend. And sensational Newcastle Knights flier Young - still just 21 - is destined to be one, too. It’s an embarrassment of riches. Yet such has been chilled-out Young’s impact in three games this autumn he’s now arguably the least likely to be chopped. England fans are on their feet anticipating something happening every time the strapping juggernaut gets the ball - just like with his stunning 95m intercept that finished off France in Bolton.
The electric Young, likened to legendary Great Britain speedster Martin Offiah, said: “It definitely gives me a little buzz. I can hear them spurring me on when I get the ball in space as well. That’s why you play the game. You want to give a spectacle for everyone to watch and enjoy. I love it. And I am loving it on the right edge. The combinations are definitely firing. But we made it a bit harder for ourselves today. There’s a few things we definitely need to improve for Greece.”
Does he feel pressure because Wane always has to leave one of the three out? Young said: “I don’t know if I read too much into that. Every time you put the jersey on there's pressure to perform. I guess you could look at it that way but whatever Waney chooses to do it’s his choice. I’m pretty chilled out. I don't really let things get to me. My personality gets me through a lot of pressurised situations.”
His fellow big-basher winger Hall was asked if Young might get close to his record. The ex-Leeds star, who had to deal with the rarity of being left out against Samoa, admitted: “Certainly, Dom’s started off in the right manner. I’m sure you’ll hear his name for years and years to come. If he’s as professional as he’s shown before, I’m sure he may catch it."
Hall added: "It’s great training with Dom. He’s a young athlete at the moment. He’s still learning the game. He’s got some obvious raw talent, which he displayed over 160 minutes so far of the World Cup. He is just going to get better and better with age. He needs a bit of fine-tuning in a couple of areas. But he's a very sponge-like brain at the moment. He will absorb everything. For him to be training with the group that he is, I’m sure he’ll pick up quite a few things, which will be all the better for him. I think we will see his name for quite a few years to come."
England’s early 18-0 lead after Hall (2) and Luke Thompson crosseed was pegged back by French tries from Arthur Mourgue and Eloi Pelissier. But, with George Williams superb again, they eased through the second period, Young (2), Elliott Whitehead and the immense Victor Radley all crossing, debutant Marc Sneyd enjoying a 100 percent goalkicking record.
