Contentious call ends Tonga’s RLWC 2017 charge

TONGA’S charge to the World Cup final was ended with a contentious knock-on call. WATCH THE VIDEO AND CHECK OUT ALL THE REACTION

TONGA have controversially fallen one step short of the Rugby League World Cup decider, downed 20-18 by England in a dramatic semi-final in Auckland.

Backed by a partisan Tongan crowd, Mate Ma’a stormed home in an extraordinary final period, in which they scored three late tries in five minutes. Ex-Kangaroo prop Andrew Fifita appeared to have scored the winner with the final play of the match, only to be called back for a contentious knock-on. It appeared the ball had been stripped one-on-one by English second-rower Elliott Whitehead, rather than dropped — allowing Fifita to continue. However, he was called back by referee Matt Cecchin. As a result, Tonga’s history-making World Cup run has come to an end, having toppled New Zealand to finish first in Pool B and defeating quarter-finalists Lebanon. England will contest next week’s final against odds-on favourites Australia in Brisbane, having lost 18-4 to the Kangaroos in the tournament opener. RE-LIVE ALL THE ACTION IN OUR BLOG BELOW .