England will be beaten 3-0 in the rugby league Ashes according to one former Super League and current NRL head coach with the host nation tipped to be ’emotional’ in their play.
That’s the view of current Sydney Roosters and former Catalans Dragons head coach Trent Robinson, with the Australian having watched the Kangaroos train against France.
Robinson has a long-standing connection with French rugby league that dates back to his time in charge of Catalans for two years in 2011 and 2012.
He was crowned Super League coach of the year in 2011 having guided the Dragons to the play-offs and despite leaving after 2012, he’s remained affiliated with the club and with rugby league in France.
Robinson is currently the French sporting director and has been present at the mixed training involving Les Bleus and the Kangaroos, with France opting to prepare for their World Cup qualifier against Jamaica in this fashion, rather than playing a warm-up match.
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Australia to ‘outplay’ England in rugby league Ashes as 3-0 series win tipped
As such, Robinson has been able to cast his eye over Australia and from what he sees, England are in for a tough time in the upcoming Ashes, which starts a week from today.
“I think Australia will win three-nil,” Robinson told the Sydney Morning Herald, before going on to explain why based on what he had seen.
Robinson added: “There is an intensity about the guys and there is enough youth in there to bring some speed and dynamic play. I believe in their quality.
“England will come with a real emotional tilt. They will be proud and it will be a physical contest but I think Australia will outplay them on the back of that.”
Many hold the view that England would have to win the first Test, which takes place next Saturday at Wembley, if they’re to have a chance of winning the series. The belief is that they could be able to catch the Australians before they’ve had time to fully click, but based on Robinson’s testimony at how sharp they look, that belief could be misguided.
Tests two and three will take place at Everton’s stadium and Headingley with both games sold out and the match at Headingley in particular likely to fuel an ’emotional’ England, given the atmosphere that can be cultivated there.
For Robinson, his attention remains on France duties with Les Bleus hoping to qualify for the Rugby League World Cup, something they will do if they beat Jamaica in Albi next Saturday.
