LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
'We've stepped up the game since then': England on a mission for payback as Samoa gear up to replicate World Cup heroics with a fresh lineup
While Stephen Crichton may not be in the mix this time around, Samoa still has a strong arsenal as they aim to surprise England once again this weekend following their memorable World Cup performance.
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England will be fueled by revenge for their epic 2022 World Cup semi-final defeat as they gear up for a two-match showdown with Samoa, with coach Shaun Wane adamant that his team has come a long way since their shocking loss two years ago.
Packed with NRL talent, including Penrith's four-time premiership winner Jarome Luai, Samoa will face off against England in Wigan and Leeds over the next fortnight after Tonga's visit to the UK last year.
Both teams have one eye on the World Cup preparations, with England eager to settle the score after their heart-wrenching one-point defeat to Samoa on home turf two years ago when Stephen Crichton delivered the killer blow with a sensational golden point field goal.
However, Crichton will be on the sidelines this time, as the English squad aims for a repeat of their dominant 60-6 victory over Samoa to kick off the World Cup.
"They were the superior team in the semi-final, no arguing that," Wane remarked.
"The sheer talent they possess is remarkable, but I believe we've upped the game since then.