England were given “massive motivation” to wrap up their series win against Tonga by comments made after the first Test, head coach Shaun Wane has said.
Complaints about the pitch, ruck speed, officiating and suggestions the visitors threw away the first Test all added spice to the occasion before the hosts won 14-4 in Huddersfield.
“I was absolutely desperate to win that game after what was said,” Wane said.
“There were posters around our dressing room. It was my easiest day ever.”
Warrington winger Matty Ashton’s two tries and the boot of Wigan’s Harry Smith, coupled with better discipline, organisation and some resolute defending, ensured England prevailed with a match to spare in a feisty and physically punishing first ever three-game series between the sides.
Tonga famously pushed England close in a gripping 2017 World Cup semi-final, and while they are regarded as a tier two nation, Kristian Woolf’s team are formidable opponents given the healthy contingent of NRL stars in their ranks.
However, their gripes after losing in St Helens just under a week ago, when Woolf highlighted the difference in ruck speed between the teams and questioned referee Liam Moore, only served to fuel England’s performance at the John Smith’s Stadium.
“It really upset me,” Wane added. “Some of it was disgraceful. It was a massive motivation for us. They wanted a firmer ground, they got a firmer ground, and they didn’t win.
“The lads are angry about it, all them comments. We spoke about them all week and it was a massive motivator for us, and we want to finish the job next week.”
Huddersfield prop Chris Hill added: “We knew we had a job today and they did our speech for us. We’ll play them on the back field next week if they want. It doesn’t matter.”
While battle lines were drawn with England staring down Tonga’s pre-match Sipi Tau, in his post-match comments Tonga coach Kristian Woolf dismissed any suggestion of animosity between the opposing camps.
“At the end of the day, it is a little bit different over here than the NRL and it is something our blokes need to adjust to,” he said.
“There are no dramas there at all. It was a good game and a tight game but England deserved it, so full credit.
“At the end of the day, our discipline let us down. We gave away too many penalties, we completed at about 70%, and when you do that you can’t win Test matches.”
McMeeken’s special day
In addition to England wrapping up their series win early, prop Mike McMeeken has an extra special reason to enjoy his weekend.
Asked how he would be feeling on Sunday after another bruising encounter, McMeeken told BBC Sport: “Well funnily enough, I’m getting married.
“I’ll probably be pretty sore but I’m looking forward to it. Unfortunately I didn’t have a stag do before this, so maybe we’ll have a few beers tonight.”
On the victory, the Catalans Dragons forward added: “In big games and Test match rugby, defence wins you matches. There were spells where we made a few errors and we had to rely on our defence to get us out of trouble.
“It wasn’t a pretty game but sometimes in these conditions it’s not going to be. The main thing is the win today and that’s what we’re most excited about.”
