'Buried and in the past': England Women boss Stuart Barrow switches focus to Australia reunion
Stuart Barrow insists England Women have put their Las Vegas humiliation behind them as they prepare to face Australia for the first time since that chastening night.
England were on the wrong end of a record 90-4 scoreline last year but Barrow has been encouraged by the attitude of his new-look group ahead of their reunion with the Jillaroos at the World Cup Down Under.
"We've done all our learning from Vegas now," he said after England began their tournament with a resounding 70-6 win over Wales. "It's buried and in the past.
"It's so long ago. This is a different group, a new group and we're ready to embrace this challenge.
"We watched their first game but to be honest, I only watched with half an eye because we were all about this game as a group.
"It was on in the background while we were in the team room. Our focus has now switched to that.
"We know what a class side the world champions are. We were on the wrong end of it not too long ago.
"Yes there's a lot of work to do this week but I think the girls are excited by the challenge."
England have switched roles this week after taking on Wales as clear favourites.
Leeds Rhinos centre Connie Boyd and Wigan Warriors winger Anna Davies both scored hat-tricks as England ran in 13 tries to live up to their pre-game billing.
"It brought a different type of pressure because we were expected to win," acknowledged Barrow.
"Before the game, you can be a little bit anxious about turning the scoreboard over because we're expected to do that.
"But we really focused on it being about us and our performance.
"We knew if we got what we'd practised right, we'd get our rewards on the back of it.
"I'm pleased that we did 70-80 per cent of what I was looking for.
"You want to get off to a good start. This was a great start and we're really pleased with it."
The national side's new weapons include Wigan half-back Izzy Rowe, who equalled the record for the most points by an England player in an international with 26 against Wales.
The 19-year-old is relishing the opportunity to test herself against the world champions after making an immediate impact on the tournament.
"It's been a dream," she said.
"I'm playing with girls I grew up with and girls I grew up watching. It's a massive dream come true and I just can't wait to see how far we can go.
"I'm really looking forward to playing against Australia. I've watched their competition for several years now and have looked up to those players.
"It's going to be a tough game but we're looking forward to it."