England went into the tie with high hopes after a 60-6 win over the same opposition in the tournament’s opening game, but Samoa were the better team in a pulsating clash.
The hosts wiped out an eight-point deficit in the final quarter to send the game into sudden-death, only for Stephen Crichton’s drop goal to book Samoa’s passage into the final to face holders Australia at Old Trafford next Saturday.
There were some good individual performances, but as a team England fell sort when it really mattered. Here’s how the players rated.
7. George Williams (No 7)
Played well, set up three tries, including with a lovely break for Farnworth's second 8. Photo: Will Palmer/SWpix.com
8. Tom Burgess (No 8)
Victim of a dangerous tackle which led to Junior Paulo's sin-binning, needed more minutes 6. Photo: Will Palmer/SWpix.com
10. Chris Hill (No 18)
Had a dig, though the pack were second-best 7. Photo: Will Palmer/SWpix.com
11. Elliott Whitehead (No 11)
Maybe lacked some composure on the final play of the 80, but scored a try, charged down a drop goal attempt and was good throughout 8. Photo: Will Palmer/SWpix.com
12. John Bateman (No 12)
Strong, reacted well for his try and made at least one crucial tackle 7. Photo: Will Palmer/SWpix.com