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ENG vs SAM
International Rugby League
Brick Community Stadium, Wigan
England
vs
Samoa
34
FT
18
Action
Lineups
All
Facts Only
All
Full-Time: 34 - 18
That's all we have for this one. Stay with Tribe for coverage of the 2nd Test between these two sides from Headingley in Leeds next Saturday afternoon. This is Anthony Morgan signing off.
After a poor first half, Samoa came to life in the second as they troubled the England defence with their customary offloads. Jarome Luai and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck had some threatening moments in unison while out wide Jeral Skelton and Deine Mariner combined for 314m and three line breaks. Terrell May was huge up front with 144m and 43 tackles but like a handful of his teammates will need to improve their discipline looking ahead to the second test next weekend.
George Williams was a standout for England as he asked numerous questions of the Samoan defence. Williams lit up the stats sheet with a try, two line breaks, three try assists and eight tackle busts in a five-star display. Herbie Farnworth was immense out of yardage with 214m and six tackle busts while on the right wing Dominic Young was hard to contain with 147m and 14 tackle busts from 19 runs. Victor Radley was the leader of the pack with 148m and 23 tackles.
England scored six tries to three to run out comfortable 34-18 winners over Toa Samoa in the first test in Wigan. Leading 16-6 at halftime, England extended their advantage in the 49th minute when Victor Radley scored from a brilliant Herbie Farnworth flick pass. Deine Mariner scored the try of the match in the 53rd minute after Samoa kept the ball alive with several offloads on the last tackle. Matty Ashton completed his double to push England out to 28-12 approaching the hour mark before Dominic Young sent Mikey Lewis away for the sealer with nine minutes to go. Gordon Chan Kum Tong pounced on an errant pass to score a consolation try for Samoa in the 76th minute.
80'
Smith finds touch 25m out as Knowles takes a hit up in the middle. Havard takes a carry before Smith pops a threatening chip over the top for the chasing Williams. Luai gets it back and runs it dead in-goal. There won't be time for the dropout as England go 1-0 up in the series with a solid 16-point victory!
After some sanity is restored the referee warns both captains about their discipline. The penalty will go to England after May is pinged for being the instigator of the melee.
79'
Lees and May get tangled up on the ground as the two sides come together for some push and shove which then develops into several spot fires. It is on here in Wigan!
78'
Samoa work it over their 30m before Tuivasa-Sheck is rounded up near the 40m on the fourth. Blore is driven back a few metres before Pauga bobbles it forward at acting half. England will have the play the ball 48m out.
77'
Pauga converts from in front.