The 2026 World Cup semi-finals are set after thrilling matches, including Tonga's narrow victory over Samoa and England's exit.
The semi-finals for the 2026 World Cup are locked and loaded after a pulsating weekend that saw England bow out, Australia and the Kiwis fine tune and Tonga and Samoa produce an instant classic in front of a record CommBank Stadium crowd.
The round opened in Wollongong with England needing to rack up a big win over PNG and then hope Tonga could do the same against Tonga.
After bursting out of the blocks to lead 22-0 after 22 minutes, England lost their way and could manage only two more tries in the remaining 58 minutes while the Kumuls grabbed two of their own.
That left England needing Tonga to beat Samoa by 47 points if they were to sneak into the semis but realistically Brian McDermott's men left the Gong knowing they were done.
The Kiwis and Kangaroos went through the motions with big...