England vs Samoa – Rugby League World Cup semi-final: Start time, how to watch, game preview
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England face Samoa for the second time in less than a month in the Rugby League World Cup semi-final this weekend.
The Three Lions took a stunning 60-6 win over their approaching opponents in their opening game of the tournament, and Shaun Wane’s side has remained in imperious form ever since.
Chosen by many to impress before the tournament, Samoa has indeed raised their level since the big defeat, wiping Greece and France before showing impressive determination as they knocked out a battling Tonga side.
England are in excellent form for the Rugby League World Cup semi-final this weekend
The Three Lions will face Samoa, which they defeated 60-6 in their opening game of the tournament
England are certainly going to battle as the overwhelming favorites, but they will face a significantly greater challenge this time as they try to make it to the World Cup final in a row.
There, England could take on Australia, who narrowly claimed a 6-0 win when they met in Brisbane in 2017. The Aussies face a tricky encounter against New Zealand on Friday night.
England would have home advantage this time around if they made it to the final, but the showpiece takes place at Old Trafford in Manchester.
With the tempting showdown now fast approaching, Sports post takes you through everything you need to know.
When is England vs Samoa?
The long-awaited clash between England and Samoa will take place on Saturday 12 November.
The match, which takes place at the Emirates Stadium in London, starts at 2.30pm local time.
At kick-off, both teams will already know their potential opponent in the final, where Australia and New Zealand will face each other on Friday evening at 7:45 PM.
England want to go one step further after losing to Australia in the final in 2017
How to watch England vs Samoa
The Rugby League World Cup semi-final between England and Samoa will be broadcast live for free on BBC 1, with coverage starting at 1:45pm.
Viewers can stream the match via the BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website.
Sports post will also be recording the latter live, so you can follow the action with us.
Route to the semi-finals
England
- Group A: England 60-6 Samoa
- Group A: England 42-18 France
- Group A: England 94-4 Greece
- Quarter-final: England 46-6 Papua New Guinea
Samoa
- Group A: Samoa 6-60 England
- Group A: Samoa 72-4 Greece
- Group A: Samoa 62-4 France
- Quarterfinals: Samoa 20-18 Tonga
Team news
The only change in Wane’s roster is the recall of Canterbury Bulldogs front rower Luke Thompson in place of his former St Helens teammate Matty Lees.
Meanwhile, veteran Chris Hill climbs to second in the all-time list of leading appearances in Rugby League World Cups on Saturday.
A rejuvenated Hill, who turned 35 last week, broke the British record previously shared by John Atkinson, Roger Millward and George Nicholls when he made his 15th World Cup appearance in the 46-6 quarter-final win over Papua New Guinea last Saturday. in Wigan. .
Chris Hill is one game away from history after being named to England squad to face Samoa
As for Samoa, captain Junior Paulo will be able to play after his one match suspension has been successfully lifted.
Paulo was acquitted by a judicial panel after being sanctioned in Samoa’s quarter-final win over Tonga.
Meanwhile, fullback Joseph Sua’ali’i – who was cautioned against Tonga – is also free to play.
English selection
Sam Tomkins (Captain), Tommy Makinson, Kallum Watkins, Herbie Farnworth, Jack Welsby, Tom Burgess, Michael McIlorum, Elliott Whitehead, John Bateman, Victor Radley, Dom Young, Morgan Knowles, Luke Thompson, Mike Cooper, Chris Hill, Mike McMeeken , Marc Sneyd, Kai Pearce-Paul.
Samoa squad
Fa’amanu Brown, Stephen Crichton, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Royce Hunt, Oregon Kaufusi, Tim Lafai, Spencer Leniu, Jarome Luai, Taylan May, Anthony Milford, Josh Papali’I, Junior Paulo (Captain), Ligi Sao, Ken Sio , Jaydn Su’a, Joseph Suaali’I, Martin Taupa’u, Brian To’o, Kelma Tuilagi.