England crash out of World Cup as Ropati leads Samoa to victory

England suffered a 24-6 defeat to Samoa in Wollongong, resulting in their group-stage elimination from the Women's Rugby League World Cup. Freedom Crichton Ropati delivered a first-half hat-trick to give Samoa a 12-0 halftime lead. The result ended Stuart Barrow's side's hopes of reaching a third consecutive World Cup semi-final, as England finished third in Group A with just two points from three matches.

Mercedez Taulelei-Siala extended Samoa's lead early in the second half before Evie Cousins scored England's lone try, converted by Isabel Rowe. Despite late English pressure, Pauline Piliae-Rasabale kicked a penalty and converted a late try from Rimoni to secure Samoa's first-ever World Cup semi-final appearance. The match also marked the final international appearance for England captain Jodie Cunningham.