Rugby League World Cup Semi-Finals Confirmed as England Go Out

The Rugby League World Cup semi-final line-up is confirmed, and for the first time in the tournament's history it will not include England. New Zealand will play Tonga at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle on Saturday, November 7, and world champions Australia will face Samoa at Allianz Stadium in Sydney on Sunday, November 8, with both matches kicking off at 8:05pm AEDT and the final set for Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on November 15. England's fate was sealed by Tonga's thrilling 20-18 win over Samoa at CommBank Stadium, a result that sent both Pacific nations through. England's opening 30-12 defeat to Tonga ultimately proved costly despite later victories over France and Papua New Guinea, and Tonga finished top of the combined Pool B and Pool C standings. Samoa, meanwhile, get a rematch of the 2022 final against Australia, who have been far from their best despite topping Pool A. The women's tournament follows the same pattern: New Zealand meet Samoa and the Jillaroos face Fiji, with Australia's women heading in after a record 124-6 demolition of Wales. There is also a comeback story brewing, with Kalyn Ponga reportedly in line to return for New Zealand just 17 days after fracturing his arm against Australia. Tickets are on sale now, and all matches will be shown live in Australia on Seven and 7plus.