Semi-final hopes hinge on England’s 2026 rugby league world cup game against Samoa

A crucial final group match

England beat Wales 70-6 in their opening match before Australia handed them a 78-0 defeat in Perth. Barrow said England knew they needed four points to make the semi-finals, and expected two would likely have to come against Samoa.

“It is do or die,” Barrow told a media conference on Tuesday, adding that no one wanted to go home. England have reached the semi-finals at each of the last two women’s Rugby League World Cups.

A wide gap in the competition

The tournament has featured several lopsided results. Northern hemisphere teams have suffered every heavy defeat at the hands of southern hemisphere sides, except for England’s win over Wales.

Samoa’s squad is made up entirely of players from Australia’s semi-professional NRLW. The article describes that competition as a much higher standard than England’s amateur Women’s Super League.

Changes after Australia defeat

Barrow said England’s young squad would benefit from the experience of facing the world’s best, describing the loss as humbling while saying the response had been positive. He also praised the team’s effort, saying they were still trying to stop tries late in the match despite trailing 70-0.

England have reshuffled their pack for the Samoa challenge. Hollie-Mae Dodd has moved from prop to the back row, with Mary Coleman coming in at prop.

Cunningham receives treatment

Captain Jodie Cunningham suffered a cut ear against Australia and finished the match with a bandaged head and a replacement shirt bearing a crudely drawn number. Barrow said she taped the injury and continued playing before going to hospital for stitches straight after the game. Barrow also said she was still in a moon boot, but was surrounded by good people and was relaxed.