England out of World Cup as Tonga edge Samoa thriller

England have been knocked out of the Rugby League World Cup after Tonga’s 20–18 win over Samoa left Brian McDermott’s side short of the points difference needed to reach the semi-finals.

England required Tonga to win by at least 47 points in Sydney. Instead, Addin Fonua-Blake’s late try and Isaiya Katoa’s conversion settled a fiercely contested match that sent both Pacific nations into the last four.

Tonga finish top of the combined Pool B and Pool C standings and will face New Zealand. Samoa progress as runners-up to meet defending champions Australia.

Why England are out of the Rugby League World Cup

England won two of their three group matches, but their opening 30–12 defeat by Tonga left them dependent on results elsewhere.

An 82–0 victory over France and Friday’s 34–12 win against Papua New Guinea took their final points difference to plus 86.

Samoa entered Sunday’s match on plus 132. Their two-point defeat left them on plus 130, comfortably ahead of England despite the teams finishing with two wins apiece.

Tonga advanced with a perfect record of three victories. England’s campaign ends at the group stage.

Team	Played	Won	Lost	Points difference	Outcome
Tonga	3	3	0	+56	Qualified
Samoa	3	2	1	+130	Qualified
England	3	2	1	+86	Eliminated

Fonua-Blake settles Tonga vs Samoa

Robert Toia’s solo try helped Tonga establish an 8–0 lead before Brian To’o replied to make it 8–4 at half-time.

Jojo Fifita extended Tonga’s advantage after the break, but Samoa responded through To’o’s second try, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Ronald Volkman to lead 18–14.

Fonua-Blake then powered through to bring Tonga level, with Katoa adding the decisive conversion.

Samoa threatened again in the closing stages, but Sua Fa’alogo was denied by the touchline before a forward pass ended another late opportunity.

The NRL match report recorded a crowd of 29,411 at CommBank Stadium.

Harris-Tavita injury concern for Samoa

Samoa also face a fitness concern over Chanel Harris-Tavita, who left the field after grabbing his hamstring following a conversion attempt in the second half.

The incident leaves his availability for the semi-final uncertain. The match report did not establish the severity of the injury.

Rugby League World Cup semi-final fixtures

New Zealand and Tonga meet in Newcastle on Saturday 7 November, before Australia face Samoa in Sydney the following day. Both matches kick off at 9.05am GMT.

Fixture	Date	Venue	UK kick-off
New Zealand vs Tonga	Saturday 7 November	McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle	9.05am GMT
Australia vs Samoa	Sunday 8 November	Allianz Stadium, Sydney	9.05am GMT

Australia against Samoa is a repeat of the 2022 final. Tonga’s victory means they take the other route through the knockout stage, against the Kiwis.

The final takes place at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on Sunday 15 November, with kick-off at 8.35am GMT.

Our Rugby League World Cup semi-finals guide has the venues and UK timings for the remaining matches.