Shaun Wane says his devastated players were simply not good enough as England’s Rugby League World Cup ended with a heartbreaking 27-26 golden-point defeat to Samoa in the semi-final.
Herbie Farnworth’s dramatic late try and Tommy Makinson’s goal saw England take the game into sudden death, but a series of errors allowed the field position for Stephen Crichton’s drop goal to end England’s dream and send Samoa through to face Australia in their first ever World Cup final.
“Not good enough”, was a visibly distraught Wane’s immediate reaction in the post-match press conference. “They were the better team and after an outstanding tournament we have not done those small details today and it has cost us dearly.
“They had better composure and were the best team. Just not good enough, on the biggest stage you can imagine. We have an honest group of players and we will get in this position again, and we will be better next time.”
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Unfortunately for the home fans, England saved their worst performance of the tournament for the semi-final, and although their late heroics almost rescued the game, Samoa held their nerve to avenge an opening-day thumping by the hosts that now seems a lifetime ago.
“I knew it would be a different challenge, they have too many good players and proved that, they were better. I can’t for one minute doubt my players’ effort and they tried hard. They are absolutely devastated, as is every member of staff, but to make any excuses would be unfair to Samoa, who were better than us.
“I just thought that with a bit of composure and if we had the ball in the right part of the field we could have done it. But we didn’t deliver to the same standards and I’m absolutely wounded for the players. We have to be better, no question.”
The defeat leaves Wane contemplating failure, having set his sights firmly on winning a home World Cup, one which had felt firmly in his grasp until the final hooter at the Emirates Stadium. The players who have shone on the big stage for the past five weeks produced too many uncharacteristic errors, and Samoa’s team of NRL stars ruthlessly exposed those frailties.
For Samoa, the victory sets up a crack at world champions Australia at Old Trafford next Saturday, in a remarkable turnaround in fortunes since losing 60-6 to England on the opening day.
“Inspirational, passionate, what this team is all about,” said head coach Matt Parish. “It’s an unbelievable effort from this group. Things have gone against us, we are down to the bare bones but these guys keep turning up for one another.
“People had plenty to say four weeks ago but the pride and passion in this group is phenomenal. The guys never gave up and I take my hat off to our squad.”
Samoa are the first ever second-tier nation to reach a World Cup final.
“It shows that the rules are right. It’s been a great comp and everyone wants to see Samoa and Tonga play more games,” Parish added. “To put that tiny little dot in the middle of the Pacific into the World Cup final is incredible.”
*18+ | BeGambleAware | Odds Subject to Change
