By England’s Rugby League World Cup campaign is in trouble after just one game. Tonga stunned the world’s third-ranked side with a thumping 30-12 victory in the tournament opener at Perth’s HBF Park on October 17, leaving Brian McDermott’s men needing a swift recovery.
Four years ago, England were left shocked and shattered by Samoa in the World Cup semi-finals. Now another Pacific island nation has produced the same heartbreak, as Tonga’s blend of classy attacking play, staunch defence, and a ferociously partisan crowd carried them to a famous win.
Tonga celebrate against England (Credits: Getty Images)
Tonga’s Big Night in Perth
Tonga had lost their previous six meetings with England before triumphing here. Tries from Haumole Olakau’atu (2), Stefano Utoikamanu and Tolutau Koula, plus 14 points from the boot of Isaiya Katoa — three goals and four penalties — sealed the 30-12 result.
England’s day came apart amid seemingly endless mistakes, wastefulness and a few debatable refereeing decisions. The turning point arrived on 22 minutes, when England were inches from the Tongan line but Victor Radley knocked on after an absolute boneshaker from Tonga captain Jason Taumalolo. The ball was turned over, and two minutes later Tonga scored, with Utoikamanu streaking through after Katoa’s superb inside pass cut out George Williams and Kai Pearce-Paul.
Two controversial penalties stretched the lead: Harry Smith was penalised for obstruction when Dallin Watene-Zelezniak ran into him, and Herbie Farnworth conceded a sloppy penalty on the verge of half-time after accidentally tripping Watene-Zelezniak off the ball.
England’s False Dawn
England emerged from the break refreshed and their first flowing move of the game produced a try for full-back AJ Brimson, set up by a sensational driving run from Young. Waves of England pressure crashed against the Tongan defence, but the Pacific side stood firm — and benefited from a moment of fortune as Olakau’atu pounced after his sketchy grubber kick was kicked on behind the England line.
Tonga then landed a one-two punch when Koula drove over the line. Young went over in the corner to give England false hope, but Katoa’s grubber kick exploited defensive gaps for Olakau’atu to touch down and complete Tonga’s fourth try in front of delirious fans.
What Next for England?
England will now have to pick themselves up for coming group games against France and Papua New Guinea to try to secure a top-two finish in the combined six-team group table and a semi-final spot. In the day’s other men’s game, co-hosts Papua New Guinea defeated Lebanon 42-18.
For McDermott, this was a massive wake-up call. His side offloaded well but lacked an attacking spark in the spine — and now England no longer control their own finals destiny.
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Source: BBC Sport — read the full story there.
