Arabic version: هزيمة تونغا تضرب آمال إنجلترا في كأس العالم

According to The Guardian, England’s Rugby League World Cup prospects were severely damaged by a 30-12 defeat to Tonga in Perth, while England Women opened their campaign with a 70-6 victory over Wales.

England started strongly and put Tonga under pressure with second-phase play, but could not turn their territory into decisive scores. Stefano Utoikamanu scored against the run of play, while Isaiya Katoa converted and added two penalties to give Tonga a 10-point half-time lead.

AJ Brimson’s early second-half try offered England encouragement, but Tonga regained control. Katoa’s kick created space for Haumole Olakau’atu to score, before Tui Lolohea’s kick helped Toluta’u Koula extend the lead. Dom Young scored in the corner, but Olakau’atu added his second try and Koula scored again late on.

England coach Brian McDermott said his side had opened Tonga up during the first 20 minutes but produced “scrappy finishes”. He said England’s gameplan did not need to change, while identifying lost possession as one of the issues to address.

Under the tournament format, the six teams in Groups B and C are placed in a combined league table, with only the top two joining Group A’s winners and runners-up in the semi-finals. England now need Tonga to beat Samoa on 1 November and must score heavily against Papua New Guinea and France.

England Women will next face reigning world champions Australia in Perth next Saturday. Anna Davies and debutant Connie Boyd scored hat-tricks against Wales, while Izzy Rowe scored twice and finished with 26 points.