England beat France 82–0 to keep World Cup semi-final hopes alive

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England beat France 82–0 in Perth on Saturday to keep their Rugby League World Cup semi-final hopes alive, with Herbie Farnworth and Dom Young both scoring hat-tricks in a 14-try victory.

Brian McDermott’s side had to work through a scoreless opening quarter before breaking France’s resistance. Once the first try arrived, England scored six times before the interval and built a 36–0 half-time lead at HBF Park.

Young opened the scoring before Matty Ashton crossed and Farnworth began a run of three first-half tries. George Williams also scored as England turned a hesitant start into a commanding advantage.

The second half brought another eight tries. Mikey Lewis scored twice after coming off the bench, while Victor Radley, Jez Litten and Jack Welsby also crossed. Young completed his treble and full-back AJ Brimson supplied the final try. Hugo Savala converted 13 of England’s 14 scores.

Brimson was named player of the match after repeatedly opening up France’s defence. The NRL credited him with five line breaks and three try assists, underlining his influence beyond his own late score.

The margin offered England an emphatic response to their opening 30–12 loss to Tonga, but qualification remains unresolved. Samoa’s earlier 64–6 win over Papua New Guinea means England still face a demanding route into the last four.

England play Papua New Guinea in Wollongong on Friday, 30 October, when another substantial victory could be needed. They will then look for help from Tonga against Samoa on 1 November. France, beaten in both opening matches, finish their pool programme against Lebanon.

Sources

• NRL: England’s 14-try win over France (2026-10-24)
• Sky Sports: England keep semi-final hopes alive
• International Rugby League: England v France