England rout France by 82 points in Perth to keep World Cup semi-final hopes alive
England routed France by 82 points in Perth on Saturday at the Rugby League World Cup, keeping their hopes of reaching the semi-finals alive. Brian McDermott admitted defeat to Tonga in last weekend’s opener had left his side with a mountain to climb.
The tournament’s shortened 10-team format means only the top two from a six-nation pool progress to the last four, so England knew they had to win their remaining group games emphatically and rely on favours elsewhere. After Samoa defeated Papua New Guinea earlier on Saturday the permutations were clear: England need Tonga to defeat the Samoans next weekend while also bridging a points swing of around 150. McDermott’s pre-tournament promise that England would play expansive rugby was fulfilled in Perth as his side chased the necessary scoreboard impact.
France held out through a scoreless opening quarter but Dom Young finally opened England’s account and Matty Ashton crossed two minutes later, after which England’s attack increasingly found space. The floodgates opened and England ran in a 14-try victory, turning a tight opening period into a one-sided contest.
Herbie Farnworth produced an outstanding first-half hat-trick inside 13 minutes as England’s running game began to tear holes in the French defence. George Williams also crossed before Young’s break created the chance for Farnworth to complete his treble as the half-time hooter sounded, England leading 34-0 at the interval.
Five minutes after the restart Young profited from a clever Williams kick and then set up Victor Radley for another try, and AJ Brimson’s break allowed Jez Litten to score. England were 52-0 by that stage, and McDermott introduced Jack Welsby and Mikey Lewis from the bench to add further creativity.
Litten capped a strong individual performance with a second try after another Brimson break, and Young completed his own hat-trick later in the final quarter. Brimson’s incisive running then created a try for Lewis after Welsby and Lewis combined, with Welsby himself scoring two minutes afterwards, at which point England were in sight of a 100-point total.
In the final 10 minutes England added two more tries: Lewis finished a fine individual break for his second and Brimson completed another flowing move. France appeared out on their feet in the closing stages and England eased off, but they achieved the heavy win required.
They must now repeat the trick next week against Papua New Guinea and keep everything crossed for an almighty favour from the Tongans.