Tonga edge Samoa 20-18 as England exit Rugby League World Cup

Tonga beat Samoa 20-18 at CommBank Stadium in a Rugby League World Cup match that also confirmed England's elimination on points difference. According to the Guardian's Gavin Willacy, reporting from the ground, Tonga recovered from a late deficit to win before a stadium-record crowd of 29,411, with both Pacific nations progressing to the semi-finals.

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Addin Fonua-Blake scored the try that brought Tonga level after Samoa had moved 18-14 ahead with 10 minutes remaining. Isaiya Katoa then converted to restore Tonga's lead. Samoa still threatened to overturn the result, but Sua Fa'alogo had a potential try disallowed two minutes from the end because his toe had touched the touchline.

Tonga had taken the initiative much earlier through Robert Toia, whose individual run produced the opening try after 27 minutes. Samoa answered when a Jarome Luai kick was fumbled and Stephen Crichton created an opportunity for Brian To'o. After half-time, Toia scored again, finishing a passing move on the left, and Katoa helped extend Tonga's advantage to 14-4.

Samoa's response again began with a high kick from Luai. Another Tonga fumble was followed by an overhead pass from Chanel Harris-Tavita that allowed To'o to claim his second try. Lehi Hopoate also prevented Salesi Foketi from scoring for Tonga by knocking the ball free as he reached the line, keeping Samoa in contention before their next attacking spell.

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow subsequently crossed on the left, but Samoa remained behind after Ronald Volkman missed the conversion, their third unsuccessful attempt from the tee. Volkman then scored himself to put Samoa in front and added the conversion for an 18-14 lead. That advantage lasted only until Fonua-Blake's reply and Katoa's decisive kick, leaving Samoa to rue a narrow defeat despite their second-half recovery.

The result sets up a semi-final between Tonga and New Zealand in Newcastle on Saturday, while Samoa will face Australia in Sydney on Sunday, the Guardian reported. England's exit means neither outcome in those matches can offer them a route back into the competition. For Tonga and Samoa, the two-point finish settled their meeting without ending either side's pursuit of the World Cup.