England balancing points chase and discipline at World Cup
Matty Ashton says England must balance their need to score heavily against France with staying disciplined and following their game plan. After losing to Tonga, England face a difficult route to the World Cup semi-finals, and Ashton warned that France should not be underestimated despite their heavy defeat by Samoa.
Samoa beat France 78-4, leaving England’s points difference 92 worse than Samoa’s in the combined Pools B and C table. England have scored 106 points and conceded 18 in their two previous meetings with France, but Ashton expects a physical contest; he has replaced Zach Eckersley in the starting line-up. England are also likely to need a win over Papua New Guinea to keep their semi-final hopes alive, while Tonga strengthened their position with a 36-0 victory over Lebanon.
In short
- England need points but must maintain discipline against France.
- Samoa’s 78-4 win leaves England with a major points-difference deficit.
- A win over Papua New Guinea is likely essential for England’s semi-final hopes.