Pool Matches - Week 2: England v France preview
Big showdown between first up winners
The Rugby League World Cup rides into Bolton for a critical Group A match-up between two first up winners in England and France from the University of Bolton Stadium. France will be looking for their first victory over an English side since 1981, when they defeated England by the unconventional score-line of 5-1.
England were the surprises of the opening week of the tournament trouncing favourites Samoa by 60-6, their biggest margin of victory in a World Cup since 2000 when they trounced Fiji 66-10. That point aside, it was an almighty performance by the host nation, with boom youngster Jack Welsby leading the way in the halves toying with the Samoan defence. Their backs were able to gain the easy meters out of yardage with Herbie Farnworth impressing in his first competitive fixture since June. The forwards laid the platform, led by test debutant Victor Radley.
In this match against France, they will have to do more of the same. The big key will be the pressure they apply onto Arthur Morgue and Tony Gigot. Gigot in particular had a rough opening to the tournament, with plays that made him look like a superstar compiled with plays that made him look silly. It's on the English forwards to continue the pressure. Coach Shaun Wane has flagged changes, with the most notable being John Bateman's impending inclusion following his suspension.
France were solid but unspectacular in their first World Cup victory since October 2013. There was a number of improvements in the French side from the previous World Cup, which shows the rise of the game in France. They will be looking to continue their strong start with an unlikely victory over the host nation. Coach Laurent Frayssinous and director Trent Robinson will be searching for a complete 80 minute performance after letting Greece back into the game in the final third.
In this match against England, the kicking game will have to desperately improve. Tony Gigot's kicking game was incredibly inconsistent with kicks sailing out on the full one minute, and the next showcasing supreme skill. The forwards were incredibly dominant, but they will not have the same amount of possession that they did against Greece. So the challenge will be to see what resilience the French side have, although recent history suggests that it's an uphill battle.
Last meeting: RLWC 2017, Pool A - England 36 France 6, Perth
As mentioned, France have failed to beat England since 1981. In World Cup play, England defeated France 36-6 at Perth Stadium in 2017.
Who to watch: On the England side of the coin, my focus is squarely on John Bateman. He is the unheralded leader of the English pack and will bursting at the scenes to play in this fixture. Missing the last 4 games due to suspension, Bateman's experience and defence will be essential if they will capture the crown at the top of Group A. Watch for Bateman, paired with old team-mate Elliot Whitehead, to be at their clinical best in this important match.
Playing in a more familiar fullback role, Morgan Escaré will be looking to showcase his skills to secure his Super League future. After a breakout start to his Super League season, his career has been on the ropes playing across Salford, Wakefield, and Barrow in 2022. With his future in doubt and a truckload of talent, Escare will be keen to prove the doubters wrong and secure a contract whether it's in England or potentially down under.
The favourite: England have the support to win this game, but don't count France out.
My tip: England were so dominant in their opening group game for the duration, while France played for about 60 minutes at a consistent pace. Despite the doctor's surgery that Shaun Wane has done to this England side, it will have just enough class to get over the French side in this one. But, it will be incredibly close and go right down to the wire. England by 8.
