What do England need to avoid early exit from Rugby League World Cup? Permutations for Samoa vs Tonga explained

England’s semi-final hopes rest on a game between Samoa and Tonga in Sydney (Getty)

England’s hopes of reaching the Rugby League World Cup semi-finals appear all but over despite Brian McDermott’s side keeping their chances alive with victory over Papua New Guinea.

A 34-12 success in Wollongong ensured that England avoided a certain pool stage exit, but they require a huge helping hand from Tonga against Samoa on Sunday.

If Samoa are beaten, England would be level on points with a Pacific Island side they have not played at the tournament. In that scenario, the second team to progress alongside Tonga will be decided on points difference.

In 16 previous men’s tournaments, England or Great Britain have never once finished outside the top four places.

The permutations in the four-team Pool A are more straightforward. Australia have already booked their spot as top seed into the second semi-final courtesy of hard-fought wins over New Zealand and Fiji, and the Kiwis will join them provided they beat the Fijians on the Gold Coast on Saturday.

The World Cup final will be held in Brisbane on Saturday 15 November.

Pools B and C table

Position	Pool	Team	Wins	Losses	Draws	Points Difference	Points
1.	B	Samoa	2	0	0	+132	4
2.	B	England	2	1	0	+86	4
3.	C	Tonga	2	0	0	+64	4
4.	C	Papua New Guinea	1	2	0	-56	2
5.	B	Lebanon	0	2	0	-60	0
6.	C	France	0	2	0	-156