‘Pretty cool’: Samoa women into World Cup semi-finals
Darren Walton |
Freedom Crichton Ropati has powered Samoa into the semi-finals of the women’s Rugby League World Cup for the first time with a stunning try-scoring display against England.
Crichton Ropati bagged a first-half hat-trick as Fetu Samoa ran in five tries to one in an impressive 24-6 victory at Commbank Stadium on Friday night.
Fellow winger Mercedez Taulelei-Siala also crossed before replacement Fanua Rimoni put the icing on the cake with Samoa’s fifth try just before halftime.
“It feels pretty cool, to be honest,” Samoan captain Evania Isaako said after her side set up a last-four showdown with three-times world champions New Zealand next week for a place in the tournament decider.
“I’m just so proud of all the girls. They really showed up for one another and they just kept turning up.”
Defeat in the do-or-die encounter eliminated England from the tournament after they also succumbed 78-0 to Australia following a 70-6 win over Wales.
The loss was also the end of the road for retiring England captain Jodie Cunningham.
“This is really special and it’s been an honour to captain this side,” she said.
“It’s been an honour to play in four World Cups. I’ve lived my dream a million times over and just to everyone who’s made that possible, I’m just so grateful.
“But to them girls (out there) they gave everything out there today. It didn’t stick at times but we were in it but Samoa were fantastic and wish them all the best in the next round.”
Finishing second in Pool A behind unbeaten Australia, Samoa are now sweating on the fitness of Crichton Ropati, who needed treatment for an ankle injury in the closing minutes.
Chasing a fourth straight World Cup crown, the Jillaroos face the hapless Welsh in Sydney on Sunday after thumping Samoa 40-0 and England 76-0 in their first two matches.
AAP