‘We’ve improved from that game’: England out for revenge as Samoa prepare to repeat World Cup heroics with new-look squad

Stephen Crichton booted Samoa into the World Cup final with a shock win over England two years ago. Picture: Matthew Lewis/Getty Images for RLWC

Revenge for their epic 2022 World Cup semi-final loss will be a motivating factor for England ahead of their two Test series with Samoa beginning this weekend, with coach Shaun Wane declaring his side is a lot better than the one that suffered a shock loss two years ago.

Stacked with NRL talent, including Penrith four-time premiership star Jarome Luai, Samoa will clash with England in Wigan and Leeds over the next two weeks following on from Tonga’s visit to the UK 12 months ago.

Both sides have one eye on World Cup preparations, with England hoping to avenge their thrilling one-point loss to Samoa at home two years ago when Stephen Crichton broke their hearts with a dramatic golden point field goal.

Crichton won’t be there this time around, with the English squad looking for a similar result to when they spanked Samoa 60-6 in a stunning result to open the World Cup.

“They were the better team in the semi-final, there’s no doubt about that,” Wane said.

“The talent they have in their team is immense, but I think we’ve improved from that game.

“You can tell when the lads get together that there’s an immediate spirit in there. They’ve got really talented players and a fantastic competition in the NRL, but I think we’ve gotten better.”

Samoa coach Ben Gardiner isn’t fussed about what happened two years ago, with his focus on a new-look squad which features dynamic edge forwards in 스포츠토토사이트 Jeremiah Nanai and Shawn Blore, as well as Panthers recruit Blaize Talagi who has replaced Jarome Luai in Penrith but could partner him in the halves this weekend.

“We’re not really worried about what happened in 2022,” Gardiner said.

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