England boss Shaun Wane watched hat-trick man George Williams start his captaincy in style but insisted: “He didn’t deserve man-of-the-match!”
The Warrington stand-off, 28, took over from Sam Tomkins and was at his electric best as England destroyed hapless France. He toyed with their inexperienced opponents in an 11-try rout on his home ground. But Leeds winger Ash Handley was also brilliant. He’s had to wait a long time for his international debut but the 27-year-old made the most of his chance when it finally came.
Not only did he run in his own hat-trick of tries but he also created all of Williams’ treble. Wane - whose team will face Tonga in a three Test series this autumn - fielded a largely youthful side, handing out 13 debuts with one eye on the 2025 World Cup. After England’s first game since last year’s World Cup semi-final exit against Samoa, he said: “George was good. But I don’t think he deserved man of the match. He’s won enough!
