Herbie Farnworth and Dominic Young scored hat-tricks on Saturday as England thrashedFrance 82-0 to keep their slim hopes alive of progressing to the Rugby League World Cup semi-finals.
Justifying their tag as red-hot favourites, 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.
Watch Australia’s Tour of South Africa Live & Exclusive on Fox Cricket, available on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.
It was England’s first victory under coach Brian McDermott, who has preached a free-wheeling style of play.
England next face a do-or-die clash against Papua New Guinea, who also boast a 1-1 record, on October 30 in Wollongong.
They also need unbeaten Tonga to defeat Samoa to have any chance of progressing. “I’m proud. We showed some nerves after lastweek 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 France defence.
England were left frustrated until finally cracking France in the 23rd minute when Williams burst through a gap and produceda brilliant one-handed pass to Young, who dotted down.
PERTH, AUSTRALIA – OCTOBER 24: Dom Young of England crosses for a try during the 2026 Men’s Rugby League World Cup match between England and France at HBF Stadium on October 24, 2026 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
It lit a fuse under England, with winger Matty Ashton scoring under the posts before Farnworth stole the show with a hat-trickin 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 whenAJ 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-outSantos National Football Stadium.