Australia 90-4 England: Lionesses suffer record defeat in Las Vegas

In Las Vegas, England suffered a historic defeat at the hands of world champions Australia. Tamika Upton scored five tries alone, contributing nearly a third of Australia's 17 total tries.

This was the sternest test for Stuart Barrow's "Lionesses" since their World Cup semi-final loss to New Zealand two and a half years ago. However, they were completely outmatched by the Australian "Jillaroos" in the game, highlighting a significant gap in strength.

In addition to Upton's five tries, Julia Robinson and Jessica Sergis each scored a hat-trick, Isabelle Kelly bagged a brace, and Tiana Penitani, Shannon Mato, Jakiya Whitfeld, and Keilee Joseph also crossed the try line.

Although England managed to salvage some pride with a late try from Georgia Roche, who plays for the Newcastle Knights in Australia, it was still a night to forget for the English side. The late try was a testament to their perseverance.

To make matters worse, England forward Vicky Whitfield was stretchered off and taken to the hospital for precautionary checks after a collision with Sarah Togatuki just 10 seconds into the second half. The margin of defeat was the Lionesses' largest ever, surpassing the 4-52 loss to New Zealand at the 2017 World Cup.

The last time England faced Australia was eight years ago at the World Cup in Sydney, when they lost 0-38. Barrow and his team knew it would be a monumental task to beat a side boasting numerous NRL Women's Premiership stars, but the sheer scale of the defeat was still shocking. Roche was visibly distraught on the field after the game, and she was consoled by her coach and members of the Australian team.

Australia asserted their dominance from the outset, scoring four tries within the first 15 minutes. Robinson dived over in the corner after a pass from Ali Brigginshaw; then, after Kezie Apps' brilliant break was stopped by England's Anna Davies, Penitani scored; immediately after, two precise kicks from Tarryn Aiken set up Upton and Mato for tries, respectively.

Upton completed a first-half hat-trick with two quickfire breaks, Kelly evaded the English defense to score her first try, and Robinson completed her first-half double, assisted by Aiken.

The second half started with a lengthy stoppage as England's Whitfield received treatment on the field. After play resumed, Australia continued to extend their lead. Yasmin Clydsdale selflessly assisted Kelly for a try, and Upton broke through again to score her fourth, then her fifth. Sergis had a try disallowed for obstruction before assisting Robinson for her hat-trick.

Sergis then scored a legitimate try, receiving a pass from Aiken, and broke through again after a pass from Upton. Whitfield also scored in the corner. In the final seven minutes, Sergis completed her second-half hat-trick, and Keilee Joseph scored easily after another Apps break. Finally, Roche salvaged some pride for England, her try earning the loudest cheer of the night.

England Squad: Dagger; Partington, Renouf, Hardcastle, Davies; Harris, Roche; Wood, Bennett, Hoyle, H. Dodd, Travis, Cunningham. Interchange: Motshead, Whitfield, Sykes, Norsworthy.

Australia Squad: Upton; Whitfeld, Kelly, Penitani, Robinson; Brigginshaw, Aiken; Mato, Higgins, Apps, Clydsdale, Keneck, Taufua. Interchange: Q. Dodd, Sergis, Togatuki, Joseph.