68-point swing and a Tonga win - how England avoid World Cup exit
England's rugby league team faces a difficult path to the World Cup semi-finals following an early loss to Tonga. They must defeat Papua New Guinea by a significant margin and rely on specific results from other group matches to advance.
Why it matters
This highlights the high-stakes nature of international tournament formats and the mathematical complexities involved in group-stage qualification.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, England bettered Samoa's margin of victory over a beleaguered France side
Sixty-eight. That is the magic number for England.
For Brian McDermott's side to reach the semi-finals of the Rugby League World Cup, a specific series of events needs to happen next weekend.
On the backfoot since being humbled 32-10 by Tonga in their opening game, England responded with a crushing 82-0 victory over France to keep their dreams alive.
It means England need to beat co-hosts Papua New Guinea in their final group match in Wollongong next Friday – then hope Tonga beat Samoa, two days later in Sydney.
If Samoa win, England will be eliminated because of their inferior head-to-head record against Tonga. They will also be knocked out if Tonga and Samoa draw.
But if Tonga win, it comes down to points difference between England and Samoa.
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