England fight back to beat Ireland 68–32 and set up Australia World Cup semi-final

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England will face Australia in the Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup semi-finals after recovering from 20–4 down to beat Ireland 68–32 and finish top of Pool A. The defending champions completed the group stage unbeaten in Wollongong on Friday, 6 November.

Joe Coyd scored four tries and Rob Hawkins added a hat-trick as England overturned a difficult opening against an Irish side who had also won their first two matches. Both teams had already qualified for the last four before kick-off at the WIN Entertainment Centre.

Ireland built a 14–0 lead and restored their advantage to 16 points after England first got on the scoreboard. The champions then worked their way back into the contest, taking the lead for the first time shortly before half-time and reaching the interval 22–20 ahead.

England increased the pressure after the restart, scoring 46 points in the second half. Lewis King and Mason Billington each finished with two tries, while Jack Brown also crossed, completing a 12-try performance.

The result followed England’s 98–18 victory over Wales and their 134–0 win against the United States. Their title defence now moves into the knockout phase, with the Australia semi-final scheduled for Tuesday, 10 November at 08:45 GMT.

France secured first place in Pool B by beating Australia 69–34 in Friday’s final group match, settling the semi-final pairings. The French will play Ireland at 06:15 GMT on Tuesday, with Ireland appearing in the last four for the first time.

France, winners in 2013 and 2017, are seeking a fourth consecutive final. England won the inaugural tournament in 2008 and regained the title by beating France in the 2022 final.