Mission accomplished for England in another thoroughly productive set of autumn internationals: and now, minds can start to drift towards the biggest challenge of them all next year.
For many, the news that Australia are set to tour England and revive the Ashes in 2025 was a thought too tempting to resist even before this series against Samoa had been concluded. But for Shaun Wane and his players, this was an obstacle they could ill afford to overlook and write off, especially given how the Samoans stunned England in the World Cup two years ago.
This does feel like a national side now on an upward trajectory though, with the memories of that loss in London in 2022 now consigned to history. England cannot look back too given that next year’s will be one of the most anticipated international series in years.
But for now, Wane and his players can reflect on a job well done this autumn. Two Test match victories, a second consecutive series whitewash after last year’s 3-0 win over Tonga and a string of individual displays that should give English rugby league supporters hope that they can at least compete against the Australians next year.
The challenge between now and then for England is to maintain this momentum. A meaningful mid-season window has to be made a priority for the national side to ensure Wane and his players are ready for the Ashes: though whether that materialises in a sport where clubs call the shots to an almost frightening degree remains to be seen.
“I hope that’s sent a good message,” Wane said. “I was really happy with last year’s win against Tonga but doing this, winning 2-0, was an absolute credit to our players and our staff.” There is the prospect that an Origin game pitting Yorkshire against Lancashire could be set up as part of England’s preparation for facing the Kangaroos, something Wane himself has endorsed.
Much like last week in Wigan, the two sides appeared evenly matched in patches but in the crucial moments, England were the superior side. Led by another outstanding display from their captain, George Williams – one of several Australia will fear in 2025 – and supported by the magnificent Herbie Farnworth at centre, England were ultimately too strong for Samoa again here.
Samoa crafted an early lead through Shawn Blore’s try but that stirred England into life. By half-time, a run of 20 unanswered points had put the hosts in control and made it 22-6 at the break. Williams’ stunning pass for Liam Marshall led to the Wigan winger marking his Test debut with a try, before the England captain then scored a superb solo try five minutes later.
Two more tries in the five minutes before half-time then swung things decisively England’s way. First, Matty Ashton finished well in the corner before Farnworth scored his first after yet more brilliance from Williams. To their credit, Samoa did not fall away at any stage and when Jake Tago scored shortly after the restart, the Test match still felt in the balance.
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But England responded superbly as Farnworth scored his second with a brilliant piece of individual skill to step through the Samoan line to restore the hosts’ 16-point lead. That did seem to quell Samoa’s momentum and as the game entered the final 15 minutes, another imperious break from Farnworth freed Jack Welsby to score England’s sixth.
The final word of the series went to the tourists, as Jeremiah Nanai touched down a Jerome Luai kick – and Samoa will head home knowing they played their part in a compelling series over the last fortnight. But England were worthy winners: and their attention can now firmly lock into the greatest test of them all next year.