France head coach Laurent Frayssinous highlighted the widening gap between the NRL and Super League as a critical factor in the staggering 78-4 defeat to Samoa during the Men's Rugby League World Cup on Friday.

In a decisive Pool B-C match held in Parramatta, Sua Fa'alogo made a significant impact, scoring four of Samoa's 14 tries after stepping in for the injured Deine Mariner. Mariner had initially opened the scoring, supported by tries from Benaiah Ioelu (two), and one each from Jermaine McEwen, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Stephen Crichton, Shawn Blore, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Izack Tago, and Francis Molo. France's only try came from Guillermo Aispuro-Bichet in the first half.

Frayssinous expressed concern over his team's disorganization, especially during the opening 20 minutes, where Samoa scored five times. Head injuries to Leo Darrelatour and Cesar Rouge complicated matters, although Rouge returned after assessment.

Reflecting on the heavy defeat, Frayssinous noted, "Do you think the NRL is far better now than four years ago? Then you have the answer." With nearly all Samoa players in the NRL and France relying mostly on Super League talent, he acknowledged the increasing superiority of the NRL.

He stated, "The NRL keeps growing and keeps getting better every year... That's something we need to improve in Super League, simple as that."

Frayssinous welcomed the NRL's proposed investment in Super League, emphasizing its positive impact on the game. Ben Gardiner, head coach of Samoa, praised Fa'alogo's performance, noting the team's depth and readiness for challenges.