GB suffer defeat on Test return

Great Britain fell to a 14-6 defeat against a Tonga Invitational XIII in their first Test outing for 12 years. The Lions haven’t played since 2007 with England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland opting to compete in their own colours, which they will continue to do in World Cup competition. But reunited for the first time in 12 years, they couldn’t come up with the goods to see off a Tonga Invitational XIII in Hamilton, New Zealand. The Tongans raced into a 12-0 lead by half time with scores from Michael Jennings and Sione Katoa, while Suo Siua Taukeiaho’s penalty took their tally to 14. Canberra Raiders’ John Bateman got Great Britain on the scoresheet with 10 minutes remaining but it wasn’t enough to inspire a comeback. Great Britain will hope to improve during their four-game tour but they face an even greater test when they take on New Zealand twice next month (November 2&9). Their tour will be wrapped up with a clash against Papua New Guinea on November 14.