Overview
- Tonga defeated England 30-12 in Perth on Saturday, recording their first-ever win over England and topping the combined Group B-C table.
- Haumole Olakau'atu scored two tries late in the match to seal the victory while Isaiya Katoa’s kicking controlled territory and added crucial points.
- England were undone by repeated handling errors, sloppy penalties and loss of possession, and coach Brian McDermott — in his first match since his April appointment — said mistakes cost the game despite noting ‘tonnes of positives.’
- England must beat France next and then Papua New Guinea to keep semi-final hopes alive and will likely need Tonga to beat Samoa and for points difference to fall in their favour.
- Tonga’s side featured many NRL-based players and a large traveling support, highlighting their experience against top nations and shifting the balance of power in the group stage.