Fans erupt as England’s nightmare Rugby League World Cup fate exposed after loss to Tonga

Facing a mathematical nightmare in their bid to make the Rugby League World Cup semi-finals, England coach Brian McDermott says it would be disrespectful to simply assume his team can pile on massive points in their remaining group games.

World No.3 England are already on the brink of elimination after suffering a 30-12 loss to Tonga in Perth on Saturday night.

Under the confusing group stage system employed for the World Cup, only two teams from across pools B and C will progress to the semi-finals.

If Samoa beat Tonga and avoid an upset loss to Papua New Guinea, that would likely leave Tonga and England on two wins — with Tonga going through on the strength of winning their clash.

If Tonga do England a favour by beating Samoa, then Tonga are likely to go through unbeaten, leaving Samoa and England on two wins apiece, barring any massive upsets.

Under that scenario, it would come down to points difference, and Samoa’s 78-4 trouncing of France has put them well and truly in the box seat.

With the World Cup flying somewhat under the radar overnight in England, the team’s situation only became clear to fans after the loss to Tonga.

“Genuinely who signed off (on) a World Cup format where losing your first game effectively knocks you out the tournament when you’ve two group games left? No margin for error or opportunity to grow into a tournament. Waste of everyone’s time and money,” one wrote.

Another said: “Great format for a World Cup, lose first game and you’re out.”

One more wrote: “Shambles of a system to be fair that anyone can effectively be out of a World Cup after one game. We’re not good enough anyway but nevertheless, ridiculous system.”

One added: “England need this. The administrators in the Northern Hemisphere need to know just how miles off we are now. A ‘brave’ semi-final exit gets us nowhere.”

More England fans said it put the pressure on officials to overhaul their approach to the international arena.

“No warm-up games. No training sessions together until a week ago. Appoint the coach just six months before the World Cup starts And this is the result. Until the RFL prioritise the England team we will always have the same issues,” one said.

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