 England demolished Samoa 60-6 in their opening group game on the first day of the tournament. But their rivals were massively undercooked having only had a couple of training sessions beforehand and many of their NRL Grand Final-winning side still getting over those celebrations. And Samoa have won every game since, producing a stunning victory over No2 ranked Tonga in Sunday's semi-final. Wane, who's brought prop Luke Thompson back in to his side, insists they won't be complacent. 'They're){kind=link}
England face off against Samoa in the semi-finals of the competition this weekend while champions Australia will come up against New Zealand
England boss Shaun Wane hit back at suggestions the World Cup’s been rigged in their favour insisting: “I never thought I’d hear that!”
They face Samoa in the semi-finals at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday. Champions Australia – who have won eight of the last nine tournaments – face the No1-ranked New Zealand in Friday’s other semi-final.
But there have been mutterings from some countries about how the tournament’s been set-up by Rugby League World Cup 2021 organisers.
Hotel availability, the need to change hotels mid-competition and short turnarounds have irked some while hosts England have been deemed to have an easy rise.