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.
13. Victor Radley (No 13)
Been excellent all tournament, then came 'that' pass...6. Photo: Will Palmer/SWpix.com
14. Sub Mike Cooper (No 17)
Not bad, but didn't really make a difference 6. Photo: Will Palmer/SWpix.com
15. Mike McMeeken (No 20)
Never really got into the game 5. Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
16. Sub Morgan Knowles (No 15)
Tried hard, to limited effect 5. Photo: Olly Hassell/SWpix.com
17. Sub Luke Thompson (No 10)
Didn't dominate on what should have been his stage 5. Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com