I can’t even begin to describe the relief I felt when the final whistle blew in the 2017 Rugby League World Cup Semi-Final between England and Tonga. It was a nail-biting match that ended with England narrowly clinching a 20-18 victory. The atmosphere in Auckland’s Mount Smart Stadium was absolutely electric, with the Tongan fans belting out their hymns and folk songs with such passion that it sent shivers down my spine. It was like a spiritual experience, unlike anything I had ever witnessed before.
Let me set the scene for you. This was the first-ever full international match between England and Tonga, and it was a day that will forever be etched in the memories of those lucky enough to be there. As a member of the International Press Corps, I had been covering rugby league games since 1995, but this one was special. England was the clear favorite to win, having suffered four consecutive defeats at this stage of the competition. It seemed like just another day at the office.
Little did we know that the Tongan supporters would create an overwhelming sea of red that engulfed the entire stadium. They were so passionate and dedicated that they even showed up on their wedding day to support their team. The energy and unity among the Tongan fans were awe-inspiring, and it made us realize that this was not going to be an ordinary match.
Tonga had already made a statement in the tournament with a stunning 28-22 victory over New Zealand in the group stage. Their team was bolstered by the decisions of Jason Taumalolo and Andrew Fifita to represent their Tongan heritage instead of their birthplaces. This inspired other players like Manu Ma’u, David Fusitu’a, Solomone Kata, Tui Lolohea, and Si Suia Taukeiaho to join the Mate Ma’a squad. They had defeated Scotland and Samoa in the group stages and overcame a tough challenge from Lebanon in the quarter-finals.
On the other hand, England had also been performing well, winning their last three matches. After a disappointing 18-4 loss to Australia in the opening game, they bounced back with a victory over Papua New Guinea in the quarter-finals. With Gareth Widdop in superb form, England took a commanding 12-0 lead at halftime against Tonga. It seemed like they had the game in the bag.
But Tonga had other plans. The sea of red erupted into a chorus of harmonies that seemed to summon a storm on the field. Suddenly, England’s defense was crumbling under the relentless pressure from the Tongan forwards. Tevita Pangai Junior scored a try from dummy-half, followed by Siliva Havili’s 20-meter dash to close the gap to 20-12. We thought that was it, but Tonga wasn’t done yet.
In the final minutes of the game, Taumalolo set up Tui Lolohea for another try, bringing the score to 20-18. The tension was palpable, and the Tongan fans’ singing could be heard echoing throughout the city. It was a moment of pure exhilaration, but it was short-lived. Jermaine McGilvary lost the ball, and although Andrew Fifita seemed to crash over for the winning try, it was ruled out by the referee. England had survived by the skin of their teeth.
For the few England fans and press members in the stadium, it was a moment of relief and reflection. The Tongan singing continued long into the night, celebrating their team’s valiant effort. It was a victory in defeat for them. As for England, it was a quiet night of contemplation as they processed the intensity of the match.
Looking back on that unforgettable semi-final, it’s clear that rugby league has the power to unite and inspire. The passion and dedication of the Tongan fans, coupled with the resilience of the England team, created a spectacle that will be remembered for years to come. It was a battle of epic proportions, and both teams left everything on the field.
If you’re a rugby league fan, make sure to check out the souvenir programmes for the upcoming England internationals this autumn. They’re packed with exclusive interviews and features, including my personal reflections on England’s dramatic encounter with Tonga at RLWC2017. Don’t miss out!