Samoa reaches rugby league World Cup semi-finals for first time
Samoa beat England 24-6. Winger Crichton Ropati scored three tries. Samoa reached the World Cup semi-finals for the first time.
Samoa reached the women's Rugby League World Cup semi-finals for the first time on Friday. Samoa beat England 24-6 in Wollongong.
Winger Freedom Crichton Ropati scored three tries in the first half. Samoa scored five tries to England's one.
Fellow winger Mercedez Taulelei-Siala also scored. Replacement Fanua Rimoni added the fifth try before half-time.
Samoan captain Evania Isaako said she was proud of how the team played. England captain Jodie Cunningham is retiring after four World Cups.
She praised Samoa's performance. Samoa will face three-times champions New Zealand in next week's semi-final.
Crichton Ropati picked up an ankle injury late in the match. She is being checked for fitness.
- Samoa 24, England 6
- Final score
- 3 in first half
- Crichton Ropati tries
- Wollongong
- Location
- New Zealand
- Next opponent
Why it mattersThis is Samoa's first World Cup semi-final. It marks a major breakthrough for the nation in women's rugby league. It also sets up a big clash with defending champions.
AustraliaThe semi-final between Samoa and New Zealand will be played in Australia, with the winner advancing to a World Cup final likely to draw strong regional interest.
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