Leeds Rhinos’ Lucy Murray insists confidence remains high in the England women’s camp ahead of what is effectively a World Cup quarter-final against Samoa.

Murray made her tournament debut in last Saturday’s 78-0 loss to Australia and has retained her place for Friday’s must-win game in Wollongong (6.45am).The second-rower, one of three Rhinos in the team alongside Connie Boyd and Keara Bennett, feels England will be better for their lesson against the world champions.

“We knew it was going to be a hard game, we were going up against the best in the world,” she reflected. “We have got to take the positives from it, especially going into a quarter-final-type game this Friday. We know what we need to do better to be able to compete in the next game.”

Murray stressed: “We didn’t get many opportunities with the ball, but I thought when we did have it we showed we have a lot of skill within the team. If we have the ball there’s definitely opportunities for us to put points on the board. It is just about keeping possession and keeping the ball to be able to do that.”

Leeds Rhinos' Lucy Murray on the attack for England against Australia. Picture by Peter Keleman/SWpix.com.

placeholder image — Leeds Rhinos' Lucy Murray on the attack for England against Australia. Picture by Peter Keleman/SWpix.com.

The opening two rounds have seen England and Samoa both beat Wales - 70-6 and 76-0 respectively - and lose to Australia, so Friday’s victors will go through to the last-four. Samoa conceded 38 fewer points against the Jillaroos, also without scoring and Murray stated: “We’re looking at it as a quarter-final.

“It is getting to the point where it’s knockout rugby and it’s between us and Samoa now to take that semi-final spot. It is do or die. We have looked at them, but we are more looking at ourselves in terms of what we can do.

“We’ll be looking to bring what we didn’t do in the last game into the one against Samoa. We have looked at the way they play and hopefully we can stick to the game plan and put that on show.”

Lucy Murray, of Leeds Rhinos, has relished being able to train like a professional athlete during England's World Cup camp. Picture by Ramiro Larguia/SWpix.com.

Last week illustrated how much catching up England must do to get on terms with Australia, but - whatever happens on Friday - Murray reckons the World Cup and spending extended time together as a squad is a step forward. She said: “It has been unreal, just getting that time with the squad and getting the feel for being a professional athlete.

“That’s not something any of us get to experience in England. It has been nice to link up with the NRLW [southern hemisphere National Rugby League Women’s competition] girls and make some connections there. It is definitely an experience I think everyone will take with them forever.”

Murray also believes it will make her a better player when she resumes duties with Rhinos in pre-season. “The NRLW girls are giving us loads of tips in training which we can bring back to our club,” she said.

“Playing against the best in the world gives you that experience to see what level they are at and where we need to improve our game. It will definitely help us going back to our clubs, knowing what we need to work on as individuals, but also Women’s Super League.”