Did England imagine a quick farewell? Their World Cup run collapsed in Wollongong when Samoa hammered them 24‑6.
Stuart Barrow’s squad needed a win to clinch a top‑two spot in Group A and book a third straight semi‑final, yet a second straight loss ended that dream.
Freedom Crichton Ropati ripped a first‑half hat‑trick, giving Samoa a 12‑0 lead at halftime, while Mercedez Taulelei‑Siala stretched the margin early in the second period.
Evie Cousins crossed for England’s sole try, trying to spark a comeback in captain Jodie Cunningham’s swan‑song, but Pauline Piliae‑Rasabale’s late score sealed Samoa’s dominance.
The loss follows Australia’s 15‑try demolition on Saturday and leaves England third in the pool with two points, joining Wales—beaten 70‑6 in the opener—in an early exit.
Destin Mino‑Sinapati almost gave Samoa a dream start, but a sloppy grounding cost them; Ropati then dove spectacularly into the corner nine minutes in.
Samoa kept the pressure, exploiting gaps as Ekepati offloaded to Ropati, who struck again at the 19‑minute mark.
England scraped for momentum during the first 35 minutes; Roach knocked on inside 20 metres before Ropati completed her hat‑trick with a right‑corner dive in the 29th minute.
Pauline Piliae‑Rasabale missed all three first‑half conversions and also failed to add the extras after Taulelei‑Siala’s early‑second‑half try.
Cousins gave England hope in the 41st minute, powering through Tyra Ekepati’s tackle for a strong score, with Isabel Rowe’s conversion pulling them within ten points.
A penalty awarded after Lucie Sams’ strip saw Piliae‑Rasabale slot the two‑pointer, keeping Samoa’s lead but England stayed in contention late on.
England squandered a chance when Fran Goldthorp’s lofted pass to Anna Davies was intercepted, and Rimoni’s 66th‑minute try under the posts ended qualification hopes.
Rimoni’s converted try ignited wild celebrations as Samoa booked their first ever semi‑final appearance.
Samoa progress as England ‘sad to be going home’
England head coach Stuart Barrow:
“We were outplayed by a superior side, no sugar‑coating it. It was a solid contest and valuable for England, though we face issues right now.
“We beat France or Wales – no disrespect – then fall heavily to the Jillaroos, so this competitive match was refreshing. More games like this would boost the nation.
“Our squad is very young, average age 21.5, 22 across the group. Many will return in four years stronger, which is a positive takeaway, though we’re sad to head home. For my money, that experience will pay dividends.
England captain Jodie Cunningham:
“This group of girls is really special. It’s been an honour to captain the side and play in four World Cups. I’ve lived my dream a million times over. The girls gave everything out there today and it didn’t stick.
“Samoa were fantastic and I wish them all the best in the next round.
What’s next?
Samoa advance to the semi‑finals and will meet the Group A winner—likely New Zealand—on November 7 in Newcastle.
The other semi‑final pits Australia against the Group B runner‑up the following day, with the final set for Brisbane on November 15.