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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Mark Staniforth

England suffer humiliating defeat in Rugby World Cup opener

England World Cup Rugby Tonga Rugby League World Cup
  • England 's Rugby League World Cup semi-final hopes are in jeopardy after a 30-12 defeat to Tonga in their opening group match in Perth.
  • Isaiya Katoa delivered a standout performance for Tonga, scoring 14 points with the boot and orchestrating his team's dominant second-half display.
  • Despite tries from AJ Brimson and Dom Young, England were out-muscled as Haumole Olakau'atu scored twice alongside tries from Stefano Utoikamanu and Tolutau Koula.
  • England head coach Brian McDermott must now rebuild the team for upcoming group fixtures against Papua New Guinea and France.
  • Earlier in Perth, England Women began their World Cup campaign with an impressive 70-6 victory over Wales, featuring hat-tricks from Anna Davies and Connie Boyd.

IN FULL

England’s Rugby League World Cup hopes already hang by a thread after brutal Tonga defeat

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