England will face Papua New Guinea on Saturday in the Rugby League World Cup quarter finals. Here is a look at the previous meetings between the two countries.
The two countries will meet for the fourth time at test level when they head to the DW Stadium in Wigan.
England last faced PNG at the exact same stage in the 2017 Rugby League Cup.
Shaun Wane will be hoping that his side can follow what Wayne Bennett’s side in 2017, which would see them progress into the semi-final.
Winger, Jermaine McGillvary scored twice inside the opening quarter as England raced into an 8-0 lead.
Prop, Alex Walmsley added a try before half-time, which was converted by Gareth Widdop as England led 14-0 at the break.
Ben Currie’s try looked to seal the quarter final win, however, Garry Lo struck back with 20 minutes remaining.
Kallum Watkins added a late brace and Ryan Hall scored with two minutes remaining as England progressed to the semi-final with a 36-6 success in Melbourne.
At test level, England and the Kumuls faced off at Eden Park in Auckland in 2010 Four Nations.
Despite, having a disappointing campaign, England signed off with a strong win. Tony Clubb completed a first half hat-trick, meanwhile Luke Robinson added a try which took England into a 24-0 lead at the break.
Robinson scored another, however himself and Kevin Brown both left the field injured.
This allowed PNG to fight back with tries from Makali Aizue and Menzie Yere.
Forward, Ben Harrison crossed, but it was Clubb who had the final say with his fourth try during the 36-10 success.
The only other meeting between the two countries, came in October 2008.
The Kumuls put England under pressure as they took a 16-12 lead into half-time. Rod Griffin, Jason Chan and George Kepa with the tries.
Lee Smith completed his hat-trick on his England debut as England regained the lead.
Ade Gardner scored his second, meanwhile Martin Gleeson also added a score as England came from behind to defeat PNG 32-22 in the opening game of the Rugby League World Cup.
Head-to-Head Record:
- Played: 3
- England Wins: 3
- Papua New Guinea Wins: 0
- Draws: 0
- Biggest Win: England 36-6 PNG – 19th November 2017
