England rout France 82-0 to preserve semi-final chances
England defeated France 82-0 in Perth to keep their Rugby League World Cup semi-final hopes alive. Herbie Farnworth and Dom Young each scored three tries, while England ran in 14 overall. England still need a big win over Papua New Guinea and a Tonga victory over Samoa to reach the last four.
England entered the Perth match after a 30-12 loss to Tonga and needed a lopsided result to stay in contention. Herbie Farnworth and Dom Young each completed a hat-trick, while Hugo Savala converted 13 of 14 attempts as England scored 14 tries and kept France scoreless.
The result leaves England needing to beat Papua New Guinea in Wollongong on Friday and then rely on Tonga defeating Samoa. Samoa’s earlier 62-6 win over Papua New Guinea had put England 150 points behind on points difference, which could decide the semi-final place if Tonga wins.
England’s emphatic win could lift interest among rugby league followers and casual sports fans in England, especially younger viewers drawn to high-scoring internationals. It may also boost attention for the tournament in Perth and for Pacific nations whose results now shape England’s fate. For players and coaches, the margin may ease pressure briefly, though the reliance on another match’s outcome could temper public optimism and keep discussion focused on format and fairness.