In light of their recent 92-7 pulverising by New Zealand, it is difficult to imagine a scenario in which Tonga could run England close in the opening World Cup match on Sunday. It is harder still to picture the Ikale Tahi beating the All Blacks in the tournament and reaching the semi-finals alongside Fiji.

Yet this is exactly what transpired in the Rugby League World Cup two years ago when Tonga only just lost 20-18 to England in the last four. It is a reminder of just what the Pacific Island nations are capable of producing on a more even playing field.

A key difference is that league eligibility rules allow players not selected for the tier-one countries to represent developing countries. The Tongan team that stunned New Zealand 28-22 included Jason Taumalolo and Manu Vatuvei who has previously represented the Kiwis.

That victory had far reaching consequences. League has since exploded in popularity on Tonga at the direct expense of union. Children who used to aspire to representing the Ikale Tahi have a new set of heroes. While Tongan union captain Siale Piutau was delighted at the league team’s success, he is now deeply concerned about the future of union on the islands. Piutau even discovered that members of his own family have switched codes. With a playing base of around 1,000 players – England have two million – a long-term drop in numbers would be catastrophic.