As we head over to Leeds Rhinos and their AMT Headingley Stadium next week, England have already won the Test Series against Tonga after two wins from two at St Helens’ Totally Wicked Stadium and Huddersfield Giants’ John Smith’s Stadium.
After a 22-18 win against Tonga in the opening game of the series helped by tries from Hull KR halfback Mikey Lewis, Wigan Warriors centre who is bound for Warrington Wolves Toby and a brace for Tom Johnstone gave England the win.
The second test was far more controlled by Shaun Wane’s side as they played the conditions expertly kicking well in the wet and turning Tonga around having a strangle hold of the game before the first half ended.
They did lose the second half 4-2 in a game that was hurt by the conditions massively in terms of spectacle as Matty Ashton’s tries were the highlights. However, England did show the brain power needed to win a test match.
However, many didn’t feel the same with some fans unimpressed with comments such as “Boring bore fest” and “Dull” making their way on Twitter.
One fan summed up the game as: “Won, although boring” which perhaps depicts the nature of Test Match rugby when compared to the summer’s free flowing Super League action. You would then need to ask how we make this more cerebral type of game appeal to a wider fan base akin to rugby union international rugby.
One fan perhaps showed this understanding: “Job well done!” but still some said, “Nearly fell asleep” and another added, “Very poor game.” Another said: “Grubby, Sloppy, Ordinary.”
Some fans feared that England would struggle against the likes of Australia and New Zealand: “Great result, but higher end teams would be a totally different result.”
However, others were simply pleased with the win: “Well done England. Some outstanding performances, special mention for Matty Ashton who stood out today. Chuffed to bits for him.”
Another called for them to make it 3-0 next weekend: “Fantastic lads. Let’s get the 3-0.”
Others called for a game to come down south which has been a common demand: “Time to bring a game down south, London or even the midlands.”
Still some complained: “Thank god that’s over, what a terrible game.” That couldn’t have been much more different to the fan who said: “Fantastic England, thought Bateman, Matty A, Matty Lees, and Mikey Lewis were brilliant today. Might not have been full of tries, but the weather was awful. Cya on the 4th.”
Lastly, one fan called for them to “Play a real team and stop hiding.”
