England successfully defended their wheelchair rugby league world title, defeating France 50-38 in the final held in Wollongong. The victory marks the fourth consecutive final between the two powerhouses, allowing England to retain the trophy they originally claimed with a 28-24 win in Manchester in 2022. Despite a shaky start, the holders demonstrated resilience to secure their second consecutive global crown.
Key Match Highlights & Tactical Analysis
Joe Coyd was the standout performer, crossing for four tries to ignite England’s offense. Although France mounted a fierce comeback from a 22-10 deficit, driven by Florian Guttadoro’s fourth unanswered try in the first half, England’s depth proved decisive. The match featured a dramatic swing as France led after the break, but England’s tactical adjustments and physical intensity shifted the momentum in their favor during the second half.
The final was sealed by a late double from Jack Brown, who provided the crucial finishing touches to the 50-38 victory. This result underscores England’s dominance in the sport, as they overcame a significant first-half scare to maintain their status as the world’s best. The win in Wollongong cements their legacy as the reigning champions, having now beaten France in four straight finals.
Source: The Independent Sport
