England lose 30-12 to Tonga as Rugby League World Cup semi-final hopes falter
England must win their remaining group games and rely on other results after Tonga beat them in their World Cup opener in Perth.
England lost 30-12 to Tonga in their opening men’s Rugby League World Cup match in Perth on 17 October, leaving Brian McDermott’s side needing wins and help from other results to reach the semi-finals. Tonga scored four tries to England’s two after resisting sustained pressure from the English side.
How Tonga turned England’s pressure into a win
England spent much of the first half attacking but went into the interval 10-0 down. Kai Pearce-Paul was denied by a tackle from Latu Fainu, while Lehi Hopoate stopped AJ Brimson. Isaiya Katoa then created Tonga’s opening try with an offload to Stefano Utoikamanu, according to The Independent’s match report, republished by Yahoo.
Hugo Savala sent Brimson over shortly after the restart, and Savala’s kick brought England within four points. Tonga answered when Katoa’s kick ricocheted through for Haumole Olakau’atu to score. Tui Lolohea later kicked through for Tolutau Koula, widening a lead England could not erase.
Dom Young scored for England in the 63rd minute, but Olakau’atu added his second try after another Katoa kick. Katoa contributed 14 points with the boot. The Guardian described England’s failure to convert long periods of pressure into points as decisive, while Tonga took their chances when they came.
England’s route to the Rugby League World Cup semi-finals
Only the top two teams in a combined six-team table covering Groups B and C advance to the semi-finals, The Guardian reported. It said England now need to beat Papua New Guinea and France, hope Tonga beat Samoa, and build substantial winning margins to remain in contention. The Independent also identified a Tonga win over Samoa as a likely requirement for England’s progression.
The result reversed the teams’ recent record: England had beaten Tonga in three Tests in the United Kingdom in 2023, The Independent reported. McDermott now has to prepare his team for its remaining group games against Papua New Guinea and France with its path through the tournament dependent on both its own performances and the combined table.
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Sources and context
- England stunned as Tonga tonking leaves Rugby League World Cup hopes in shredsThe Guardian
- England’s Rugby League World Cup hopes already hang by a thread after brutal Tonga defeatThe Independent (republished by Yahoo)
AI-assisted article checked against the listed sources. NewsJaws did not conduct interviews or attend the reported events.