Tonga beat England 30-12 to put World Cup semi-final hopes in jeopardy

Tonga beat England 30-12 in Perth in their opening match at the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, leaving Brian McDermott’s team facing a difficult route to the semi-finals. According to The Guardian’s match report by Aaron Bower, England created sustained pressure but repeatedly failed to turn it into points, while Tonga made their attacking opportunities count.

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The result carries particular weight because only two teams will advance to the semi-finals from the combined six-team standings for Groups B and C. The Guardian reported that England now need victories in their remaining matches against Papua New Guinea and France, substantial winning margins and a Tonga victory over Samoa to keep their qualification hopes alive. Their progress is no longer solely in their own hands.

England’s early attacking ambition did not produce a breakthrough. Instead, Isaiya Katoa supplied the pass that sent Stefano Utoikamanu through a gap for Tonga’s opening try. Katoa added the conversion and two penalties before half-time. England had spent much of the opening period challenging Tonga’s defence, but went into the interval needing to recover from a deficit.

A response came five minutes after the restart. Hugo Savala broke through and set up AJ Brimson for his first Test try, bringing England back into the contest. Their momentum did not last, however. A penalty conceded by Sam Walters gave Tonga relief from the pressure and helped create the opportunity for another decisive attack.

Katoa’s kicking then proved influential as Haumole Olakau’atu touched down. Three minutes later, Tuimoala Lolohea’s kick produced a try for Toluta’u Koula, leaving England with considerably more ground to make up. Dom Young finished a move in the corner to offer England some hope, but Tonga regained control in the closing stages. The report described further scores from Olakau’atu and Koula as England’s comeback fell away.

England’s women had a contrasting start to their tournament, defeating Wales 70-6. Anna Davies and debutant Connie Boyd each scored three tries, while Izzy Rowe crossed twice and contributed 26 points overall. Stuart Barrow’s side next face a significant Group A meeting with defending champions Australia in Perth, with both teams having won their opening fixtures.