Insane scenes as Samoa makes history with World Cup final spot

Fans witnessed pure chaos at the end of Samoa’s historic, golden-point semi-final win at the Rugby League World Cup.

It was pure insanity at the end. Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images for RLWC.

Samoa’s Stephen Crichton hit an extra-time drop-goal to seal a 27-26 victory over England on Saturday and book a first-ever Rugby League World Cup final berth against reigning champions Australia.

A gripping game saw the two sides level 26-26 at the regulation-time whistle at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium thanks to a late Herbie Farnworth try for England converted by Tommy Makinson.

Samoa, beaten 60-6 by England in the tournament opener, held their nerve in extra-time, Crichton popping over the crucial ‘golden-point’ drop-goal.

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It means that for the first time a nation that isn’t Australia, New Zealand, England/Great Britain or France has reached a World Cup final.

Australia booked their berth in the final, next Sunday at Manchester’s Old Trafford, with an equally enthralling 16-14 victory over New Zealand in Leeds on Friday.

“I don’t think anyone gave us a chance tonight but the belief we have is very strong,” man-of-the-match Samoan playmaker Jarome Luai said.

It was pure insanity at the end. Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images for RLWC.

Samoa celebrates after Stephen Crichton kicks the winning golden point drop goal. Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images.

“The (tournament-opening) loss was a blessing in disguise but we put our heads down and we worked hard.”

Captain Junior Paulo says Sunday’s final against the reigning champions, in Manchester’s Old Trafford, is “the biggest game in Samoan history”.

“It’s enormous,” the giant prop 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 tonight 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.”

Paulo could potentially be cited, having received a yellow card for a tip tackle.

England coach Shaun Wane was quick to argue in his favour, saying the final should not be deprived of such a player given accepted tournament refereeing standards.

Samoa coach Matt Parish agreed, saying there had been no malicious intent and he released Tom Burgess rather than drive him into the ground.

England was left heartbroken.

“We were not good enough, the best team won. I’m gutted, absolutely wounded,” 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 today. We didn’t do the right things at the right time and I blame myself.

“We have to be better, this is not good enough. I blame me. We have to be better, semi-final is not good enough.

“It was small details today that cost us dearly. They had better composure, we were just not good enough and on the biggest stage possible.

“We needed to do things that worked for us. We went away from things that worked for us.” Looking ahead to the final, Wane said “it’ll be game on, Australia are a good team... but Samoa have some very good individuals”.

Samoa shocked the tournament hosts with the opening score, Joseph Suaali’i sucking in defenders with a half break in the middle to open a chink of light out wide for centre Tim Lafai to glide past a flat-footed Kallum Watkins to cross.

Crichton missed the conversion, but the Samoans, with Paulo at his barn-storming best in both defence and attack, were in the ascendancy in front of 40,489 fans.

But Paulo was sin binned for a tip tackle on Tom Burgess, swiftly followed by a head injury as Fa’amanu Brown was laid out cold after a Tommy Makinson charge.

England opened their account after halfback George Williams stepped inside a couple of defenders and offloaded to Elliott Whitehead for a simple try. Makinson converted.

Ligi Sao restored the Samoan lead, spotting Watkins on his heels and immediately attacking the blindside.

The Hull prop allied his quick thinking with strength as he rode Dom Young’s challenge and took the winger with him as he slid across the line for a try. Crichton converted to hand Samoa a 10-6 half time lead.

Stephen Crichton breaks England’s heart. Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images for RLWC)

Josh Papalii celebrates with teammates. Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images.

England opened the second period with Bateman pouncing on a loose ball after Lafai failed to deal with a Williams kick under pressure from Watkins.

Makinson converted, but Samoa responded with one of the tries of the tournament. On the fifth tackle, Luai opted not to kick, instead jinking his way across the England defensive line before finding Paulo running a dangerous straight line.

The giant prop was brought down close to a post but somehow popped the ball back, Luai volley-balled a pass on to Crichton, who crossed for a try he also converted.

Young then spilled a simple Luai kick deep in English territory. Samoa made no mistake with their attacking position, Crichton, the Penrith Panthers stand-off, easily stepping Young’s blitz defence to find Lafai for his second try.

England tried to respond, leading to a last quarter of hectic rugby league. The ball was whipped left again before Farnworth bundled his way through six would-be defenders for a fine individual try.

Makinson converted to make it a two-point game with 14 minutes to play and soon after drew the scores level at 20 apiece after Paulo, the Samoan skipper, needlessly took out counterpart Sam Tomkins late.

But, as England attacked, Crichton picked off an interception and sprinted in for his second try, converting to make it 26-20 with five to play.

Farnworth made sure the game went to extra-time as Williams broke and Whitehead played the centre in from 50 metres, Makinson hitting the crucial conversion.

In extra time, Anthony Milford had a snap drop-goal charged down, but then Crichton, deeper in the pocket, made no mistake to seal a famous victory.

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Originally published as Insane scenes as Samoa makes history with World Cup final spot