England faced off against Samoa for the second time in the tournament after the hosts thrashed their opponents in the opening group game. But Samoa showed a different side to their game in their unexpected win over Tonga in the quarter final.

The only change for Shaun Wane from the side which beat Samoa last time out was to bring in John Bateman (suspended for the opening game) as replacement for Mike McMeeken in the starting line-up, the Catalans Dragons man dropping to the bench in place of the omitted Matty Lees.

England were installed as favourites, handicapped by ten points on the coupon, as the two sides vied to take on Australia at Old Trafford next Saturday in the tournament final. It was Samoa´s first ever appearance in a Semi-Final, England looking for their second consecutive appearance in World Club Final. After last nights game at Elland Road second semi had a lot to live up to.

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England faced off against Samoa for the second time in the tournament after the hosts thrashed their opponents in the opening group game. But Samoa showed a different side to their game in their unexpected win over Tonga in the quarter final.

The only change for Shaun Wane from the side which beat Samoa last time out was to bring in John Bateman (suspended for the opening game) as replacement for Mike McMeeken in the starting line-up, the Catalans Dragons man dropping to the bench in place of the omitted Matty Lees.

England were installed as favourites, handicapped by ten points on the coupon, as the two sides vied to take on Australia at Old Trafford next Saturday in the tournament final. It was Samoa´s first ever appearance in a Semi-Final, England looking for their second consecutive appearance in World Club Final. After last nights game at Elland Road second semi had a lot to live up to.

READ MORE ON THIS STORY...