Carl Ablett is expecting an Irish backlash when England take to the field at a packed John Smith’s Stadium, Huddersfield, tomorrow for their Rugby League World Cup 2013 Group A game (2.30pm).
Ireland lost their opening match of the tournament 32-14 against Fiji in Rochdale on Monday, and Ablett believes that result will make Ireland all the more dangerous as both sides look for their maiden RLWC2013 win.
“There is nothing worse as a player and sportsman than getting beat and when that does happen, you react,” said Ablett, who started last Saturday’s 28-20 defeat by Australia in Cardiff on the bench. “I am sure there will be a response from them.
“It is going to be played at a stadium that is full too, so if you are not motivating yourself for these games, you have got a problem.
“I think they will come as an enthusiastic and physical side, and they will look to take the game to us. Hopefully if we play smart, we can do a job on them.
“Pat Richards is a massive threat, but they have got a lot of experience in there, and a few Aussies who have played in the NRL.
“We will concentrate more on our own game, though. We are not spending too much time watching the Ireland-Fiji match, instead we are reviewing our own performance, and seeing what we can do better.
“We have realised what mentality we need, and that we have got no right to win any game. We have taken the Australia game on the chin and we will look to build on what we did well.”
The 27-year-old second row, who was born and raised in West Yorkshire, can’t wait to play in the World Cup at Huddersfield, just a few miles away from his home town Rothwell.
“Any full stadium will have some history behind it, but going to the birthplace of rugby league in front of 24,000 people will be special,” said Ablett. “I am looking forward to it.
“There is nothing better than playing in a packed arena, and the noise the fans make is brilliant. It is up to us now to go out there and put on a show to entertain the fans.”
