In a recent encounter in Las Vegas, the Jillaroos delivered a staggering 90-4 victory over England, with Tarryn Aiken playing a pivotal role in the match, assisting six tries. Aiken expressed a sense of sympathy for their opponents, acknowledging the tough situation they faced. “It’s a bit of a hard situation… I did feel for them a bit,” she told Wide World of Sports. Despite the overwhelming score, Aiken noted that England is a strong team and will likely recover from this setback.
The match was memorable not only for its staggering scoreline but also for the unfortunate incident involving English forward Vicky Whitfield, who was knocked out cold during the first half after receiving a kick-off. The game was paused for eight minutes as medical personnel tended to her, and she was subsequently taken to hospital for overnight observation. Aiken, reflecting on this incident, remarked on the concern for Whitfield, describing it as a frightening moment, and expressed hope for her full recovery.
This event marked a historic milestone, being the first women’s match held at Allegiant Stadium, and the Jillaroos took pride in showcasing their skills on such a prominent stage. Aiken mentioned that the entire experience felt surreal and described the lead-up to the game as sensational. Her teammate, Tamika Upton, notably shone, scoring five tries, contributing to the team’s record-breaking performance.
In summary, while the Jillaroos celebrated a historic win, the game underscored the nuances of sportsmanship, especially when faced with injuries and unexpected outcomes. The players demonstrated their competitive spirit and camaraderie, reflected in Aiken’s sentiments toward their opponents and the event’s overall significance.