England stunned by Tonga in Rugby League World Cup opener
Key Takeaways
- Tonga defeated England 30-12 in the Rugby League World Cup opener.
- Haumole Olakau'atu scored two tries for Tonga in the upset victory.
- England's campaign is in early jeopardy, requiring wins against France and Papua New Guinea.
- Errors and missed opportunities plagued Brian McDermott's side throughout the match.
England suffered a shocking 30-12 defeat against Tonga in their Rugby League World Cup opener in Perth. Despite being ranked higher, England's campaign was immediately put in jeopardy following a combination of attacking flair and staunch defence from Tonga. Tries from Haumole Olakau'atu, Stefano Utoikamanu, and Tolutau Koula secured the historic victory for the Pacific island nation, leaving England to regroup for upcoming matches against France and Papua New Guinea.
Recommended for you
Tools and services we trust to boost productivity and content workflows.
Browse picks