Tommy Makinson made history with five tries as England dismantled Papua New Guinea with a thrilling first-half display to reach the World Cup semi-finals. A brutal and hard-fought game against PNG was expected, but in reality it was a physically dominant England that took the game to the opposition. Makinson became the first player to score five tries for England in one match. That helped Shaun Wane’s men progress to the last four on home soil – and they will face either Tonga or Samoa at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium next Saturday. Watched by the Princess of Wales – the RFL’s royal patron and matchday guest – England put on an imperial show by scoring seven tries in a scintillating opening 40 minutes. The excellent Tom Burgess, the indomitable Dominic Young and George Williams went down, while Makinson’s opportunism earned him three scores before half-time. England proved unstoppable as Callum Watkins raced into a 38-0 lead at the break. Makinson added two more tries in the second period and although Jimmy Ngutlik scored a consolation with 10 minutes remaining, PNG were already well beaten. England will find out their semi-final opponents on Sunday when Tonga take on Samoa in Warrington (kick-off 14:30 GMT).
Great England move on
Rugby League World Cup: Tommy Makinson makes history with 5-try haul against PNG After England progressed to the group stages with a 100% record, this was seen as the biggest challenge of the competition so far against a team that offers a significant package as well as creativity through Lachlan Lam. But Wane’s men brushed aside PNG and have now won all four meetings between the nations, including at the same stage of the competition five years ago. The match was played in front of 23,179 spectators at Wigan, an all-time record crowd for a World Cup quarter-final. England were electrifying and made an attacking start, in the faces of the PNG players, and relentless hitting from Burgess set the platform for destruction. Former England captain Jamie Peacock said Burgess’ performance was “one of the best first-row performances I’ve seen”. The South Sydney Rabbitohs prop headed over Herbie Farnworth’s storming effort before Makinson latched on to Sam Tomkins’ perfect kick in the corner. The returning Watkins popped the ball to Young to slot in unchallenged for his ninth try of the tournament, while Makinson added a quick-fire second from Williams’ chip over. The Papuans had no answer to England’s flurry of attacks and Williams slid in to complete a classy team move, with Watkins getting away from Young’s dismissal. England edged past PNG and won again as speedy captain Tomkins made a Captain’s Challenge when Alex Johnston kicked the ball and Makinson reacted by touching the ball down – although referee Liam Moore initially said there was no try, it was awarded on review. PNG fought back in the second half and after St Helens winger Makinson ran in for his fourth of the game, he got on the scoreboard as Ngutlik headed over in the corner. There was still time for Makinson to score a fifth try to finish with 30 points and complete an outstanding individual and team performance.
