In the world of sports, there are moments etched in history, some that bring triumph and glory, and others that leave a bitter taste of defeat. For England’s rugby league team, their clash with Samoa in the Rugby League World Cup semi-final last November was one such moment, a bitter pill to swallow as they were edged out 27-26 by the Pacific Island nation. It was Stephen Crichton’s golden point drop-goal at Emirates Stadium that broke the hearts of the English fans.
Fast forward to the present, and the English squad is gearing up to face Tonga in a three-match series, starting in St Helens on Sunday. The wounds from that defeat to Samoa still linger, with just one game since, a resounding 64-0 victory over France in April, to soothe the pain.
Full-back Jack Welsby, who was part of that heart-wrenching loss to Samoa, sums it up succinctly: “We need to learn. The result wasn’t good enough, we wanted that final against Australia at Old Trafford but it wasn’t to be. You learn your best lessons from your losses.”
Captain George Williams concurs, emphasizing that the primary lesson from that defeat was that, against top-tier international opposition, they must bring their A-game. Three Test matches against Tonga in the rugby league heartlands of St Helens, Huddersfield, and Leeds may differ in atmosphere, pressure, and meaning from a World Cup semi-final in front of a massive crowd, but the sting of that loss serves as a reminder not to let their guard down.
“It showed at international level against the top teams you can’t be slightly off,” Williams states. “We were off, and we got burned. It shows if you are not an eight or nine out of 10, you get turned over.”
Tonga, in the guise of a Tonga Invitational side, boasts an impressive record, having defeated both Australia and the Great Britain Lions in one-off matches in 2019. This series pits the fourth and fifth-ranked teams in the world against each other, with England holding a slight edge. Tonga’s squad includes players from Australia’s National Rugby League and three Super League players, making it abundantly clear that this won’t be a walk in the park for the English team.
The rivalry between these teams is intense, dating back to their epic clash in the 2017 World Cup semi-final in Auckland, New Zealand. England is eager to avenge their past defeats, and as Welsby aptly puts it, “This is a different squad, they have a different squad, but there are some things you can’t heal. That is a wound that has sat there since we haven’t faced them, so we will have to be at our best to turn them over.”
Intriguingly, Tyson Frizell, a player with experience in both the NRL and international rugby, finds himself representing a third different country at the international level. Born in Australia to a Welsh father and a Tongan mother, Frizell is completing the full set of nations he is eligible to represent. “It’s pretty surreal,” he admits. “To represent Wales, Australia, and now Tonga, it’s something I’m very excited about and proud of, I’m proud of my background.”
Frizell, who boasts a World Cup winners’ medal from Australia’s 2017 triumph, brings a wealth of experience to the Tongan squad. He acknowledges that joining a new team can be a bit intimidating, like the first day at school, but he’s been welcomed with open arms and is feeling comfortable within the squad.
As England and Tonga gear up for this historic series, the stakes are high, and the anticipation is even higher. It’s not just a battle of rugby prowess but a quest for redemption and a chance to etch a new chapter in their rugby histories. Let the games begin!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Rugby Redemption
Q: When did England last play against a Pacific Island nation at home, and what was the result?
A: England’s last encounter with a Pacific Island nation on home soil was in the Rugby League World Cup semi-final in November, where they suffered a heartbreaking 27-26 defeat to Samoa.
Q: What lessons are the England team aiming to learn from their defeat to Samoa?
A: The primary lesson is that, against quality international opposition, they have to be at their absolute best. It’s a reminder that even a slight dip in performance can lead to defeat at the highest level.
Q: How does Tonga’s rugby league team compare to England in terms of rankings and recent history?
A: England and Tonga are ranked fourth and fifth in the world, respectively. Tonga has proven its prowess by defeating Australia and the Great Britain Lions in one-off matches in 2019, making it clear that they are a formidable opponent.
Q: What is the significance of the upcoming series between England and Tonga?
A: This series represents a significant showdown between two highly competitive teams. It’s not just about rugby; it’s a chance for England to seek redemption and a new chapter in their history.
Q: Who is Tyson Frizell, and why is his inclusion in the Tonga squad noteworthy?
A: Tyson Frizell, with experience in the NRL and a World Cup winners’ medal, is representing his third different country at the international level. His inclusion is noteworthy due to his unique background and the wealth of experience he brings to the Tongan squad.
More about Rugby Redemption
- England vs. Tonga: BBC Sport Coverage – Stay updated with live coverage on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
- England Rugby League – For more information about the England rugby league team.
- Tonga Invitational Rugby League – Learn more about the Tonga Invitational rugby league team and their recent achievements.
3 comments
go England, we need redemption!
dat’s what sport’s about, lessons & battles
big match, Tonga strong team!