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England and France face do-or-die clash at Rugby League World Cup / Photo: IZHAR KHAN - AFP
England and France face do-or-die clash at Rugby League World Cup
England hooker Brad O'Neill says there is a "real belief" the team can pull off a convincing victory over France on Saturday to keep their Rugby League World Cup hopes alive.
After being stunned 30-12 by Tonga in their tournament opener, the world number three must beat the French in Perth and by a big margin.
Only two of the six nations across Pools B and C from the 10-team tournament in Australia, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand progress to the final four.
"Despite the result, I feel like the way that we wanted to play was on show," said Wigan star O'Neill. "There was just maybe a bit of lack of execution, and credit to Tonga's defence as well.
"But I felt like the way we wanted to play was shown and we've just got to keep working on that.
"There is a real belief in our team."
On paper, England should have little problem, winning their last 23 meetings with France.
Coach Brian McDermott has kept faith with the squad that faced Tonga, naming an unchanged side for the Pool B clash.
France, who also need a big win to stay alive after crashing 78-4 to Samoa in an abysmal display, appear to have little hope.
But fullback Arthur Mourgue is adamant they can improve.
"We do have speed and some great forwards but compared with top-quality nations we are still a bit under them," he said. "But we're not going away."
After a mid-week pause, round two of the World Cup gets underway on Friday in Sydney with Tonga looking to build on their England upset when they face Lebanon.
Tonga playmaker Isaiya Katoa said the result might have surprised outsiders, but not within the squad.
"Within our four walls, we had that belief already," he told reporters.
"We understand the potential of this group and I think internally we've just got a bit of a quiet confidence about us."
Papua New Guinea take on Samoa at home in the other Pool B clash with confidence high after thrashing Lebanon 42-18 to get their tournament started.
Holders Australia face Fiji in Brisbane on Saturday, with the Pacific islanders currently topping Pool A after a dominant 40-12 win over the Cook Islands.
The 12-time champion Kangaroos are fresh from a thrilling 24-22 win over New Zealand in the World Cup's opening game, and coach Kevin Walters has shuffled his starting side with James Tedesco, Bradman Best, Sam Walker, Blayke Brailey and Lindsay Smith all coming in.
New Zealand are looking to bounce back against the Cook Islands in Christchurch without star fullback Kalyn Ponga who has a broken arm, opening the door for Keano Kini to start.
Q.Bernardi--INP
