Herbie Farnworth and Dominic Young scored hat-tricks on Saturday as England thrashed France 82-0 to keep their slim hopes alive of progressing to the Rugby League World Cup semi-finals. Justifying their tag as red-hot favorites, England ran in 14 tries in the Perth sunshine.
After being stunned 30-12 by Tonga in their tournament opener, England produced a much-needed big margin of victory. Only two of the six nations across Pools B and C from the 10-team tournament progress to the final four.
It was England’s first victory under coach Brian McDermott, who has preached a free-wheeling style of play.
Junior Nsemba of England runs the ball during the Men’s Rugby League World Cup Group B/C match between England and France at HBF Park in Perth yesterday.
Photo: EPA
England next face a do-or-die clash against Papua New Guinea, who also boast a 1-1 record, on Friday next week in Wollongong.
They also need unbeaten Tonga to defeat Samoa to have any chance of progressing. “I’m proud. We showed some nerves after last week but came home strong and pleasing to score some points,” England captain George Williams said.
It was England’s 24th consecutive victory over France, who were hammered 78-4 by Samoa in an abysmal opening performance. “It’s just not good enough. We just have to keep working and come back,” France captain Benjamin Garcia said. England were expected to come out with all guns blazing, but were made to work in the early exchanges by a gritty French defense. England were left frustrated until finally cracking France in the 23rd minute when Williams burst through a gap and produced a brilliant one-handed pass to Young, who dotted down.
It lit a fuse under England, with winger Matty Ashton scoring under the posts before Farnworth stole the show with a hat-trick in a blistering 13-minute stretch. Farnworth’s best was when he spun through several French players to produce a breathtaking try. Leading 36-0 at the interval, England did not take the foot off knowing the stakes. Young scored a try in the 47th minute as England dominated a desolate France.
Their unstoppable performance was capped when AJ Brimson crossed over the line in the 77th minute to seal England’s second biggest win at a Rugby League World Cup. Samoa continued their unbeaten start in the competition after thrashing Papua New Guinea 64-6 in Port Moresby.
After trailing early, Samoa ran rampant in the second-half to finish with 13 tries and silence the partisan crowd at a sold-out Santos National Football Stadium.