England beat France 82-0 to keep World Cup hopes alive
England beat France 82-0 in Perth to keep their Rugby League World Cup semi-final hopes alive. After a scoreless opening twenty minutes, six tries before half-time put England in control. AJ Brimson was player of the match. England next face Papua New Guinea, with another substantial win potentially needed to progress.
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England’s tournament chances survive a big win
England defeated France 82-0 in the Rugby League World Cup at HBF Park in Perth, Australia, keeping alive their hopes of reaching the semi-finals. Herbie Farnworth and Dom Young both scored hat-tricks.[1], [2]
The first 20 minutes were scoreless. England then scored six tries in 16 minutes, four from attacks starting inside their own half. Young opened the scoring in the 23rd minute after a George Williams offload. AJ Brimson’s break set up Matty Ashton, while Harry Smith supplied Farnworth for a converted try that made it 18-0 after 27 minutes.[1]
Sixteen minutes transform the first half
France lost Latrell Siegwalt to a shoulder injury and struggled on their right defensive edge. Junior Nsemba linked with Farnworth for another try. Williams also crossed, before Farnworth completed his first-half hat-trick in support of Young. England led 36-0 at half-time and added two tries during the first eight minutes after the restart. France briefly threatened England’s line but remained scoreless.[1]
Brimson leads the attack before Papua New Guinea test
Brimson created tries for Jez Litten and Mikey Lewis, then scored himself late on. Young completed his hat-trick after claiming a short French restart in the air. Jack Welsby and Lewis also added to the score. Brimson was player of the match with five line breaks, seven tackle breaks and three try assists. England’s first Test win in Australia since 2008 precedes their final group game against Papua New Guinea, where another large margin may be needed. France next face Lebanon.[1]
