RLWC supporters celebrate throughout the night as Samoa takes on England in a semi-final match in the UK. Video / Hayden Woodward
Samoa pulled off one of the great sporting comebacks to knock out England from their own Rugby League World Cup this morning and earn a final showdown with Australia.
Four weeks after being humiliated 60-6 by England in the tournament opener in Newcastle, the Samoans turned the table in dramaticfashion with a golden point 27-26 semifinal victory at Emirates Stadium.
Centre Stephen Crichton was the match winner, kicking a 40-metre drop goal in the fourth minute of extra time, to add to his two tries and three conversions.
England saved their worst 40-minute performance for the semifinal but emerged from their slumber to rally from 20-12 down and twice draw level in a breathless second half before being pipped at the death.
“I don’t think anyone gave us a chance but the belief we have is very strong,” man-of-the-match Samoan playmaker Jarome Luai said.
“The [tournament-opening] loss was a blessing in disguise but we put our heads down and we worked hard.”
The game lacked the quality of the first semifinal between Australia and New Zealand on Saturday but it made up for it with sheer excitement and drama as Samoa, making their first appearance in a World Cup semifinal, revelled in the role of underdog.
They played the more attractive league while England were strangely tentative from the start despite being given a helping hand.
Samoa celebrate their 2021 Rugby League World Cup Semi Final win over England. Photosport
Samoa fullback Joseph Suaali’i and standoff Anthony Milford kicked out on the full to fritter away possession and skipper Junior Paulo was sin-binned for a tip tackle on Tom Burgess after 12 minutes.
Samoa were 4-0 up by then after centre Tim Lafai slipped Kallum Watkins to score but England hit back in a seesawing battle, taking the lead after 24 minutes, and after Samoa had responded to lead 10-6 at halftime, John Bateman scored for England to put them back in front after the break.
However, any leads England had were shortlived, as Luai took a return pass from Paulo to get Crichton through a gaping hole wide out for Samoa’s third try, to which Crichton added his second goal.
After an England knock-on 10 metres from the tryline, Milford and Luai combined to get Lafai over for his second try in the 56th and extend the lead to 20-12.
But in a back-and-forth battle, Herbie Farnworth bustled past four defenders to score England’s third try and Tommy Makinson levelled the score after 67 minutes with a penalty.
England were fighting back and mounting a promising attack when Crichton picked off a pass from Victor Radley and sprinted 60 metres for his second try.
Crichton’s third goal gave Samoa a six-point lead but England wouldn’t go away, and Farnworth went 70 metres for his second try. Makinson kept his nerve to tie the score again and send the game to extra time.
Stephen Crichton of Samoa breaks away to score. Photo / Getty
However, when England were pulled up for a forward pass inside their half, Samoa had good field position and Crichton nailed the drop goal from 40 metres.
“We were not good enough, the best team won. I’m gutted, absolutely wounded,” England coach Shaun Wane said.
“I was never happy in that game, we were below our standards. There is some soul searching going on from us staff. The players have been great, I don’t doubt their effort.
“Samoa were the best team. We didn’t do the right things at the right time and I blame myself. We have to be better, the semifinal is not good enough.
“It was small details that cost us dearly. They had better composure. We went away from things that worked for us.”
The final is next Sunday at Old Trafford and Paulo says it will be “the biggest game in Samoan history”.
“It’s enormous,” the skipper said. “We knew the impact we were going to have on Samoans, what we’ve been able to create, it doesn’t go unnoticed by the players.
“We’ve still got a week ahead - the war is not over.
“We have to enjoy the win and then we have another week just to prep. There’s only one week to go. It’s all about the journey, and the journey continues.”
