Samoa’s Stephen Crichton breaks England hearts with golden drop goal

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Stephen Crichton’s golden-point drop goal ensured Samoa ended England’s chances of winning the Rugby League World Cup in one of the most incredible semi-finals the tournament has ever seen.

The hosts looked to be heading out in normal time after Crichton’s intercept gave Samoa a six-point lead with two minutes remaining. However, Herbie Farnworth’s try and Tommy Makinson’s conversion levelled the scores at 26-26, sending the game to extra time and raising hopes England could reach the final once again.

But the hosts couldn’t secure victory in golden-point, as Crichton’s drop goal proved to be the match-winner and ensured Samoa will face Australia in next week’s final. England have been outstanding all tournament and beat the Samoans 60-6 in the opener a month ago. Unfortunately though, they reserved their worst performance for the biggest game of all in London.

Samoa were much the better side in the first half, and deservedly led 10-6 at the break. England had the early opportunities to go ahead but couldn’t forge an opening, and Samoa made them pay when Tim Lafai shrugged off Kallum Watkins to score the first try.

Not even the sin-binning of Junior Paulo for a dangerous tackle could stir England into life, with Samoa surviving that ten-minute period without their captain unscathed. However, the pressure from the hosts finally told when George Williams burst through a tackle before freeing Elliott Whitehead, with Makinson’s conversion putting England 6-4 ahead.

But as half time approached, Samoa once again began to assume control. And as they punished England’s vulnerable right-edge again, Ligi Sao broke free to move the Samoans into a deserved four-point lead at the interval. You suspected the home players were in for a stern half-time team talk from Shaun Wane, and they responded to move ahead shortly after the restart when John Bateman pounced on an error from Lafai.

However, tries for Crichton and Lafai, again exposing England’s frailties on the edge, put Samoa eight points ahead – but that was the moment which clicked England into gear. With their backs against their wall, they rallied as Farnworth cut through on the angle to narrow the deficit before a penalty from Makinson made it 20-20.

Crichton then picked a Victor Radley pass and converted to put Samoa ahead by six with seconds left. But Williams’ break was finished by Farnworth, and Makinson again converted to send the game to extra-time.

However, an error from the hosts in their own half handed Samoa the chance to win the game – and Crichton didn’t disappoint to knock the hosts out in the most dramatic manner imaginable.