England exit Rugby League World Cup as Tonga beat Samoa 20–18

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England’s men have been eliminated from the Rugby League World Cup after Tonga beat Samoa 20–18 in Sydney on Sunday, confirming the two Pacific nations as the remaining semi-finalists.

Brian McDermott’s side needed Tonga to win by at least 47 points to overtake Samoa. The two-point margin instead ended England’s campaign, despite victories in two of their three matches.

An opening 30–12 defeat by Tonga had left England dependent on other results. Their subsequent 82–0 win over France and Friday’s 34–12 victory against Papua New Guinea kept qualification mathematically possible, but were insufficient to overturn Samoa’s advantage on points difference.

At CommBank Stadium, Tonga and Samoa delivered a much closer contest in front of a crowd of 29,411. Rob Toia opened the scoring with a solo try in the 27th minute, converted by Isaiya Katoa, who added a penalty to make it 8–0.

Brian To’o replied before half-time to reduce the gap to 8–4. Tonga extended their advantage early in the second half when Jojo Fifita finished on the left and Katoa converted for a 14–4 lead.

Samoa then turned the match around. To’o scored his second try before Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow crossed, and Ronald Volkman’s converted effort put them 18–14 ahead.

Addin Fonua-Blake responded for Tonga, powering over to level the scores, and Katoa’s conversion restored their lead. Samoa came close to another reversal when Sua Fa’alogo reached the line with two minutes remaining, but his foot had touched the sideline and the try was disallowed.

Both sides now move into the knockout stage. Tournament organisers confirmed that Tonga will face New Zealand at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle on Saturday, 7 November. Samoa will meet defending champions Australia at Allianz Stadium in Sydney on Sunday, 8 November.

Both men’s semi-finals are scheduled to start at 8.05pm AEDT, equivalent to 9.05am GMT.