Mal Meninga has say on England vs Samoa after Australia book place in World Cup final

Mal Meninga has had his say on England’s semi-final against Samoa following Australia’s epic 16-14 win over the Kiwis.

The Kangaroos booked their place in the World Cup final next week after winning a thriller against New Zealand in front of a strong Elland Road crowd.

And after the match, Meninga was posed a question on the BBC as to who he would rather face at Old Trafford next Saturday.

“England have been going great,” said Meninga. “They have had a great tournament.

“Samoa have fought back from a pretty ordinary first game against England so, who knows?

“It’s going to be a fairly brutal game tomorrow night as well. The team that obviously takes control, completes their sets and has good field position will win the game.

“England have been playing really good footy though.”

Speaking on his own team, Meninga was delighted to get through to next week’s final but also paid huge credit to New Zealand who pushed the Kangaroos all the way.

He added: “New Zealand were really good too. We got in front, they fought back and then we fought back. It was just a really good Test match of rugby league.

“We have really missed it for three years and tonight I’m just glad we’re back on the winning side of it all. It would be right up there (in terms of all-time international games).

“I thought it was a great challenge for both sides and both handled it really well. I thought it was a great advertisement for the game.

“Everyone put everything in for the full 80 minutes and I’m just glad we are into the final.”