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England v Tonga: Odds, predictions, team news and stats

England put this three-game contest to bed with a 14-4 win over Tonga in game two at Huddersfield to take an unassailable lead in the series, and they will be keen to make it a clean sweep in the final match at Headingley on Saturday.

Game one at St Helens featured more points but was a tighter affair as the hosts claimed a 22-18 victory, and another competitive encounter can be expected in Leeds this week.

England v Tonga Odds

England - 1/2
Tonga - Tonga 17/10

England v Tonga Information

  • Where is England v Tonga? Headingley Stadium, Leeds
  • When is England v Tonga? 14:30, Saturday 4th November
  • Where can I watch England v Tonga? BBC1

England v Tonga Predictions

England to win by one to 12 points - 7/5

England have pretty much been in control of this series from the first whistle in game one, but they have rarely looked like running away with things in the 160 minutes played in the series so far and it would be folly to expect a high-margin victory this time around. 

The home side are warm favourites to win the series 3-0, and while they look justified favourites for the clean sweep, a response can be expected from Tonga who won't want to head home having been whitewashed. 

That was apparent in the opening match when they led 12-6, and last week's second instalment saw them win the second-half 4-2 in Huddersfield after going in at the break 12-0 down. 

Wet conditions played their part in that war of attrition seven days ago, and things could again be on the damp side in Leeds this week. 

Much of Saturday is forecast to be shrouded in rain so don't expect a free-flowing extravaganza at Headingley, although some sloppiness may be likely with little left to play for in the series. 

Former Wigan head coach Shaun Wane has always placed an emphasis on defence ahead of attack so it is right to assume his side will come out looking to limit Tonga's time around the home side's try line. 

Even when there was more at stake, Tonga have managed to score just 22 points across the opening two matches so there is little expectation that they will cut loose in the series finale. 

So bearing all that in mind, another tight match looks the most likely so backing the home side to win by no more than 12 points looks the best way to go from a punting perspective.

Under six total match tries - 7/5

Wet and cold conditions can be rugby's worst enemy and that could lead to plenty of handling errors at the home of Leeds Rhinos. 

And it is more than likely that both coaches will make changes to their sides to give some of the fringe members of their squads some game time before the conclusion of the three-match series. 

That could also lead to some disjointed play so the 7/5 that there are no more than five tries in the match looks another decent wager. 

There were just three tries scored in last week's Huddersfield arm wrestle, and there were only seven scored in the opening encounter despite much more favourable conditions. 

It is difficult to assess how seriously Tonga will take this tie with the series out of reach and there could be a lack of concentration with the finish line in sight. 

The Tongans may be more focused on stopping England from getting on the front foot and that could nullify their attacking. 

England may end up becoming frustrated but it is hard to envisage the whitewash being crossed more than five times.

England Team News

Shaun Wane has called up Morgan Smithies and Josh Thewlis after admitting his squad are carrying plenty of knocks. Wane is likely to freshen up his side with the series already won.

Tonga Team News

Kristian Woolf has no fresh injury concerns but he is also likely to ring the changes with the series out of reach.

England v Tonga Stats

England have won both matches in this three-fixture series - 22-18 at St Helens in game one and 14-4 in game two at Huddersfield. 

Tonga have lost all of their five meetings with England since their first encounter in 2006. England have won the first two matches in the series by four and 10 points. The opening two matches have featured points totals of 40 and 18 points.

Head-to-Head

England5
Tie0
Tonga0

This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.

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