‘We’ve improved from that game’: England out for revenge as Samoa prepare to repeat World Cup heroics with new-look squad

Stephen Crichton won’t be there to deliver another clutch moment, but Samoa still has plenty of weapons as they look to shock England again this weekend after their World Cup heroics.

Revenge for their epic 2022 World Cup semi-final loss will be a motivating factor for England ahead of their two Test series with Samoa beginning this weekend, with coach Shaun Wane declaring his side is a lot better than the one that suffered a shock loss two years ago.

Stacked with NRL talent, including Penrith four-time premiership star Jarome Luai, Samoa will clash with England in Wigan and Leeds over the next two weeks following on from Tonga’s visit to the UK 12 months ago.

Both sides have one eye on World Cup preparations, with England hoping to avenge their thrilling one-point loss to Samoa at home two years ago when Stephen Crichton broke their hearts with a dramatic golden point field goal.

Crichton won’t be there this time around, with the English squad looking for a similar result to when they spanked Samoa 60-6 in a stunning result to open the World Cup.

Stephen Crichton booted Samoa into the World Cup final with a shock win over England two years ago. Picture: Matthew Lewis/Getty Images for RLWC

“They were the better team in the semi-final, there’s no doubt about that,” Wane said.

“The talent they have in their team is immense, but I think we’ve improved from that game.

“You can tell when the lads get together that there’s an immediate spirit in there. They’ve got really talented players and a fantastic competition in the NRL, but I think we’ve gotten better.”

Samoa coach Ben Gardiner isn’t fussed about what happened two years ago, with his focus on a new-look squad which features dynamic edge forwards in Jeremiah Nanai and Shawn Blore, as well as Panthers recruit Blaize Talagi who has replaced Jarome Luai in Penrith but could partner him in the halves this weekend.

“We’re not really worried about what happened in 2022,” Gardiner said.

“Obviously they were brilliant games and the World Cup semi-final was a game of great excitement for both teams, but we’re here to play this Test series.

“We’ve got two Test matches to play with two very different sides that played in 2022. We’ve got a number of debutants and so do England, so it’s a great opportunity for both groups to show where they’re at right now. That’s what we’re planning on doing.”

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is a big in for Samoa who will be missing a few of their key men for the tour. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

Luai’s inclusion is a huge boost for Samoa, with the four-time premiership star to lead the team’s attack which lacked a bit of polish in the Pacific Championships last year without him in the side.

“I said throughout the year that if the body and mind were right then there’d be no doubt that I’d be playing in this game this weekend,” he said.

“I feel good, I feel great and I’m ready to take these two games on.”

While Crichton may be missing after celebrating his wedding earlier this month, Samoa will unleash veteran Roger Tuivasa-Sheck who has switched his international allegiance to join the World Cup finalists.

“He’s a world-class athlete who has done it in two codes,” Luai said.

“He’s very successful in the way he holds himself and I think he definitely fits into this group with it being pretty young because he’s such a professional.

“It’s great to learn off a guy like that. He’s a very good asset out the back and I can’t wait to lace the boots up with him.”

Victor Radley’s shoulder isn’t an issue as he looks to continue his strong form for England. Picture: Adam Davy/PA Images via Getty Images

This weekend’s match will feature plenty of NRL talent in both sides, including Victor Radley who was man of the match on debut for England when the teams clashed in the pool stage at the 2022 World Cup.

The Roosters enforcer has overcome a shoulder injury and has impressed his coach who is keen to see him bounce back after he “underperformed” in the semi-final.

“I was concerned at one time with him breaking his shoulder blade the way he did, but he’s a tough character,” Wane said, with Roosters winger Dom Young also in the squad after missing the Tongan series through illness.

“The Roosters medical staff have done a great job with him and he brings everything. He’s really, really popular, he buys into our English culture and fits in.

“He trains so hard, his standards are so high, and the fact he underperformed in the semi-final against Samoa will be a big motivator for him.

“As soon as I knew he was fit to play, I wanted to get him on the plane to bring him over because he brings that much.”