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25 Oct 2022

England Past Meetings with One Time Oppositions

England Past Meetings with One Time Oppositions

England will face Greece for the very first time on Saturday when the two sides meet at Bramall Lane in Sheffield. Here is a look at the three countries which England have only faced once in a test.

The most recent meeting England have had with a country they had not faced before was at the last World Cup.

England faced Lebanon in Sydney during the group stages of the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.

England started strongly as Kallum Watkins opened the scoring inside the first 10 minutes.

Lebanon struck back shortly after. Robbie Farrah’s kick was dropped by Gareth Widdop and Nick Kassis picked up the loose ball to hit back for the Cedars.

Wayne Bennett’s England side responded in impressive fashion with three tries scored in eight minutes. Jermaine McGillvary, Ryan Hall and Ben Currie all scored before the break as England went into half-time with a 22-6 lead.

Forwards James Graham and Tom Burgess combined for the first try of the second half. Graham offloaded a short pass and Burgess crashed over to extend England’s lead after the break.

Jason Wehbe scored on his Lebanon debut; however, it was a consolation try for the Cedars.

Gareth Widdop added a drop goal in the final minute as England came out on top 29-10.

In 2016, England faced Scotland in the Four Nations. The two sides met at the Coventry Building Society Arena.

England got off to a poor start with Scotland racing into a shock 8-0 lead. Kane Linnett and Matty Russell both scored to put Scotland ahead after 25 minutes.

Second rower, Elliott Whitehead crossed for a brace which put England into a slim advantage at the break.

Despite a slow start to the second half, England scored four tries in a 15-minute period. Mark Percival, Ryan Hall, Jermaine McGillvary and Luke Gale all scored to put England into a commanding lead.

Scotland struck back through Dale Ferguson; however, Liam Farrell added a try on the final hooter as England kept their Four Nations hopes alive with the 38-12 victory.

The only other side England have faced in a test just once is history is South Africa.

Headingley Stadium played host for the fixture during the 1995 World Cup.

England headed into the final group game having already booked their place in the semi-final.

As expected by many, England put up a dominant display against South Africa.

Eight tries were scored including a double from Nick Pinkney. Paul Broadbent; Bobbie Goulding, Simon Haughton, Kris Radlinski, Dean Sampson and Tony Smith added the other tries during the 46-0 victory.