From Sky Sports · Megan Wellens · · 1m 40s
Rugby League World Cup 2026: England's opener lessons
England women dominate Wales 70-4; men lose to Tonga 30-12 in RLWC 2026 opener.
In brief
England women dominate Wales 70-4; men lose to Tonga 30-12 in RLWC 2026 opener. England women beat Wales 70-4; men lost to Tonga 30-12, leaving their World Cup hopes in jeopardy. Originally reported by Sky Sports.
England women's massive win
England women defeated Wales women 70-4 in their opening match.
“England women showed their style in a massive opening 70-4 win over Wales”
England men's tough loss
England men suffered a 30-12 defeat to Tonga in their opening match.
“England men suffered a 30-12 defeat to Tonga and their Rugby League World Cup is now out of their hands”
Second phase play strategy
England men used second phase play tactics but made 27 offloads compared to Tonga's five.
“England had 27 offloads compared to Tonga's five”
Tonga's strong team
Tonga features star players like Robert Toia and Haumole Olakau'atu.
“Robert Toia is up there as one of the best centres in the world alongside Herbie Farnworth”
England women's standout player
Izzy Rowe scored the most points ever by an England player in a match.
“Rowe went onto show just why as she scored the most points ever by an England player in a match”
England women's next challenge
England women face Australia, the reigning champions, in their next match.
“England women will have to box off a strong opening result and focus on the enormous task they have up next - facing the reigning and defending champions Australia”
England men's group stage
England men are in a combined Group B and Group C with France and Papua New Guinea.
“Group B is England, Lebanon, Samoa, while Group C is France, Papua New Guinea, Tonga”
England's forward pack issues
England's forward pack was weakened by injuries including Morgan Smithies.
“Morgan Smithies was ruled out of the tournament, another enforcer in Morgan Knowles was then ruled out of the game”
England's next matches
England men face France in Perth next Saturday at 7:35am UK time.
“England must regroup ahead of facing France in Perth next Saturday, kick-off 7.35am (UK and Ireland time)”
England women's next match
England women face Australia at 10:05am in their next match.
“England women face Australia at 10.05am”
Tonga's strength
Tonga has strong players including Robert Toia and Haumole Olakau'atu.
“Haumole Olakau'atu was voted the second rower of the year”
England's underdog challenge
England teams must show underdog mentality to advance in the tournament.
“The underdog mentality for the England teams is going to have to shine through in week two”
England's World Cup status
England men's Rugby League World Cup is now out of their hands after loss to Tonga.
“England men suffered a 30-12 defeat to Tonga and their Rugby League World Cup is now out of their hands”
England's next steps
England must regroup and face Australia in their next match.
“England women will have to box off a strong opening result and focus on the enormous task they have up next - facing the reigning and defending champions Australia”
The big picture
England women beat Wales 70-4; men lost to Tonga 30-12, leaving their World Cup hopes in jeopardy.
