England captain George Williams says the team will embrace their underdog status when they begin their World Cup campaign against Tonga in Perth on Saturday.
England face a powerful Tonga side in their opening match, but Williams believes the tag can work in his team’s favour. Rather than reject expectations that place Tonga as the stronger side, the captain said England welcomed the label.
The match in Perth will be England’s first fixture of the tournament and will provide their initial test against one of the competition’s leading sides. Williams’ comments underline the team’s determination to approach the opener with confidence despite being regarded as underdogs.
England and Tonga will meet on Saturday, with the result setting the early direction of both teams’ World Cup campaigns.
