# 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.
- Title: Rugby League World Cup 2026: England's opener lessons
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: rugby league world cup 2026, england women, wales, england men, tonga, rugby league, rlwc 2026, england rugby league, sports, Rugby, League, World
- Source: Sky Sports — https://skysports.com/rugby-league/news/12040/13600528/rugby-league-world-cup-2026-what-we-learnt-from-englands-opener-the-australia-test-and-ignoring-points-require
- Author: Megan Wellens
- Published: 2026-10-19T12:20:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: rugby league world cup 2026, england women, wales, england men, tonga, rugby league, rlwc 2026, england rugby league, 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
## Key takeaway

England women beat Wales 70-4; men lost to Tonga 30-12, leaving their World Cup hopes in jeopardy.