Golden point thriller sends Samoa into World Cup Final

Samoa have created more history at the Rugby League World Cup after defeating England to reach their first ever World Cup Final.

Stephen Crichton's dramatic drop goal in golden point extra time proved to be the difference as Samoa earned a 27-26 victory during an absorbing semi-final clash at the Emirates Stadium in London.

Samoa exacted revenge on England following a heavy defeat in the opening game of this year's World Cup to advance to the Men's Final at Old Trafford next Saturday, setting up a huge clash with reigning World Champions Australia.

?? This is it - the moment Stephen Crichton sent Samoa to the men's Rugby League World Cup 2021 final!#RLWC2021 #ENGSAM pic.twitter.com/D7p20W3YhM
— Rugby League World Cup 2021 (@RLWC2021) November 12, 2022

Matt Parish's side began brightly with Salford Red Devils' centre Tim Lafai breaking the deadlock for Samoa after just five minutes. Lafai expertly evaded his Red Devils teammate and opposing centre Kallum Watkins to power his way over and give Samoa an early lead.

It took England until the 25th minute to score their first try of the afternoon ? Elliot Whitehead following up on good work from George Williams to get over and put England level, before Tommy Makinson's conversion gave England a 6-4 lead.

England's lead lasted just five minutes, however, as Ligi Sao put Samoa back in front. The Hull FC forward exposed England's sloppy marker defence to bustle his way over the line, with Stephen Crichton adding the extras.

Shaun Wane's side regained the lead once again just five minutes into the second half after Tim Lafai failed to defuse a Georg Williams kick. John Bateman pounced on the loose ball and after a quick check from the video referee, the try was awarded. Tommy Makinson once again converted to restore England's two point advantage.

Samoa responded soon after thank to an exhilarating passage of play to keep the ball alive on the last tackle. Captain Junior Paulo produced a breath-taking offload from a seemingly impossible position to allow Stephen Crichton to cross for his first try of the afternoon. The NRL Premiership winning centre converted his own try to put Samoa 16-12 ahead.

2? Two tries for Tim Lafai ?

8? Eight-point lead ?

England's hopes of reaching the Rugby League World Cup final are hanging by a thread!

? Watch #RLWC2021 on @BBCOne and @BBCiPlayer!#BBCRL pic.twitter.com/OHSsK82e6O
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) November 12, 2022

Tim Lafai doubled his try scoring tally as Samoa crossed for back-to-back tries to allow some breathing space from England. Stephen Crichton once again converted, leaving England chasing the game in the final quarter.

Shaun Wane's side desperately needed a spark to get back into the contest and Herbie Farnworth provided just that. The centre barged his way over the line - evading multiple Samoan defenders - to put England back in contention. Tommy Makinson converted to reduce the deficit to two points.

The scores were brought level after a Junior Paulo late tackle on Sam Tomkins gave England a penalty which Tommy Makinson converted.

With both sides chasing the win, Victor Radley's pass fell into the hands of Samoa's Stephen Crichton, who raced away from the half way line to cross for what looked to be the match winning try. Chrichton again converted his own try to put Samoa 26-20 ahead with just seven minutes left on the clock.

??????? Oh wow. Herbie Farnworth races away for England.

Incredible game. Truly, truly incredible.

You can't not love this.#RLWC2021 #ENGSAM | @england_rl @bbcsport pic.twitter.com/mTxaT51KfS
— Rugby League World Cup 2021 (@RLWC2021) November 12, 2022

As the clock reached 77 minutes, George Williams found a gap in the Samoa defensive line from within his own half to race away, before finding the supporting Herbie Farnworth who raced away to put England just two points behind. Tommy Makinson showed nerves of steel to convert Farnworth's try, sending the pulsating Semi-Final into golden point.

England failed to complete their first two sets in golden point, with the second incomplete set handing Samoa field position to set up for the decisive drop goal. Two try hero Stephen Crichton was the man on the spot, nailing a 40 metre drop goal to send an elated Samoa side into the World Cup Final for the very first time.