A hat-trick that made history

Fetu Samoa reached the Women's Rugby League World Cup semi-finals for the first time after beating England 24-6 at WIN Stadium in Wollongong on Friday. Player of the match Freedom Crichton Ropati scored a hat-trick in the first half, and Samoa, playing at their first Women's World Cup since 2008, will now face the Kiwi Ferns in Newcastle.

How Samoa took control

Samoa opened the scoring in the ninth minute when Ivana Lolesio's cut-out pass sent Crichton Ropati over in the right-hand corner. The teenage winger scored again in the 18th minute and completed her hat-trick in the 30th, as Samoa's 61 per cent share of possession wore down England's left edge. Mercedez Taulelei-Siala added a second-half try, and although Evie Cousins pulled one back for England, a penalty in the 50th minute restored Samoa's control at 18-6.

A famous win, a sad farewell

Skipper Evania Isa'ako's pass set up Fanua Rimoni under the posts to seal the win, with Monica Tagoai making 182 run metres and Destiny Mino-Sinapati 191. For England captain Jodie Cunningham, the defeat was a painful way to end a 38-Test career at her fourth World Cup. Samoa coach Frank Pritchard's side now turn to a semi-final against New Zealand, with a place in the final at stake.

Sources: NRL.com | Sky Sports