England demolishes France 82-0 but World Cup fate depends on others
England scored 14 tries in an 82-0 demolition of France but still needs help to reach the Rugby League World Cup semi-finals.
England crushed France 82-0 in Perth to stay in contention for the Rugby League World Cup semi-finals. Herbie Farnworth scored three tries in the first half, and Dominic Young also scored three as England exploded after a scoreless opening 22 minutes.
Young's early try sparked six tries in 18 minutes as England went to half-time with a 36-0 lead. The thrashing was necessary: England needed an 80-plus-point win to boost their points differential.
But progression is far from certain. England must beat Papua New Guinea in their final group game in Wollongong on Friday.
Even then, they depend on Tonga beating Samoa in Sydney two days later. If both happen, England advances only if their points differential exceeds Samoa's, a tall order since Samoa sits at plus-132 while England is now at plus-64.
- 82-0
- Score
- 14 for England, 1 for France
- Tries
- Plus-64
- England differential
- Plus-132
- Samoa differential
Why it mattersEngland's World Cup hopes hinge on two results outside their control and a points differential they may not overcome.
AustraliaThe Rugby League World Cup continues in Australia with England playing Papua New Guinea in Wollongong and Samoa facing Tonga in Sydney.
Corroborated bytheguardian.com
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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