England beaten by Tonga in World Cup opener in Perth
England lost to Tonga in their opening match of the Rugby League World Cup in Perth.
Tonga won at HBF Park on 17 October, pulling clear late after England had threatened a second-half comeback. The defeat leaves Brian McDermott's side with little room for error, with only the top two from a combined six-team table across Groups B and C reaching the semi-finals, according to The Guardian.
Tonga controlled the first half. Prop Stefano Utoikamanu crashed over from an Isaiya Katoa pass for the opening try, the act of grounding the ball over the line for four points. Katoa added the conversion, the kick for two extra points, plus two penalties to give Tonga a firm half-time lead.
England, captained by George Williams alongside Harry Smith at half-back, came out sharper after the break. AJ Brimson scored his first Test try five minutes into the second half after a break from Hugo Savala. Winger Dom Young then scored in the corner to bring England back into the contest.
Tonga answered with pace and kicking precision. Haumole Olakau'atu scored from a Katoa kick, then Toluta'u Koula crossed after a kick from Tuimoala Lolohea. Olakau'atu struck again with about 10 minutes remaining before Koula completed his brace in the final moments.
Williams had said before the game that England would relish their “underdog” tag against Tonga, according to the BBC. Tonga’s NRL-hardened spine showed why England started as outsiders. Katoa directed play calmly and punished every mistake.
For fans, this means the maths is now simple. England’s two remaining group matches are against Papua New Guinea and France. They will almost certainly need to win both to keep their semi-final hopes alive.
There is history here. England previously held off a late fightback from Tonga to reach the World Cup final for the first time in 22 years, according to Reuters. That rivalry has grown since.
The pressure is new. England have never previously failed to reach at least the last four in Rugby League World Cup history. To protect that record, McDermott’s team must respond quickly.
