World Cup overnight: Samoa march on; Sergis, McGregor show class

The main takeaways

• Samoa have advanced to the final four of a World Cup for the first time. 
• Tonga played most of the second half without fullback Will Hopoate, who was forced from the field with a hamstring injury, meaning halfback Tui Lolohea had to step in at the back. 
• This was the 21st Test meeting between these two sides and the 10th win for Samoa in those meetings. 

Star performers

If Anthony Milford's form in this one is anything to go by, Dolphins fans can look forward to seeing the veteran playmaker in action next season. Milford set up two of his side's three tries and was a cool head for Samoa in the heat of battle. Next to him, Panthers ace Jarome Luai was strong too, scoring a good try in the first half. At the back Joseph Suaali'i had 10 tackle breaks and 231 metres, plus came up with the biggest play of the game when he broke down field in the lead up to the try which put Samoa eight in front.

What the result means

Samoa will play a World Cup semi-final for the first time, locking in a rematch with England, who demolished them 60-6 in the tournament's opening game last month. Tonga meanwhile head home having failed to match their heroic run at the 2017 tournament, but having again shown that they are an established force on the world stage. 

Recap

• Match report: Samoa advance to semi-finals with thrilling win over Tonga 
• Key injuries: Will Hopoate (hamstring)

The main takeaways

• New Zealand are into the semi-finals, with their next game against Australia to determine if they finish first or second in the group.  
• Goalkicking remains an area of concern for the Kiwi Ferns, with Laishon Albert-Jones failing to convert any of her four attempts and forward Brianna Clark - their most reliable option - not able to be on the field for the full 80 minutes. 
• Cook Islands scored their first ever point against New Zealand at women's Test level, with Mackenzie Wiki - daughter of Kiwi legend Ruben Wiki - crossing midway through the second half.

Star performers

Raecene McGregor was a class above, following on from a strong first-up showing for the Kiwi Ferns. The reigning NRLW Dally M Medal winner scored two tries and set two up against Cook Islands. Knights back Shanice Parker impressed at fullback too, laying on four line break assists in addition to making a couple herself, while she had 153 run metres. In a losing side Kere Matua was outstanding, stepping up in the absence of Breayley-Nati to handle most of the general play kicking, which included a nice kick for Wiki's try. When she ran the ball she was a handful too, busting six tackles and running for 115 metres. 

What the result means

The Kiwi Ferns are safely through to the semi-finals, regardless of what happens in their final group game against the Jillaroos, but can claim top spot with a win over Australia. Cook Islands are out of contention for a spot in the knockout stages, but will be looking to finish on a high against France in their final group match. 

Recap

• Match report: Kiwi Ferns down Cook Islands to book semi spot
• Key injuries: Kimiora Breayley-Nati (head knock)

The main takeaways

• The Jillaroos can wrap up top spot in Pool B with a win over the Kiwi Ferns in York on Friday morning (AEDT). The winner of the pool faces the runner-up in Pool A, which will be decided by the England-PNG match the previous day.
• Tarryn Aiken has come of age as a playmaker and will be a key factor in the Jillaroos' title push whether she plays halback as she did against France or five-eighth outside Ali Briggingshaw, as she did in the opening game.
• Lauren Brown landed some tough kicks among her 10 conversions and her goalkicking will be crucial in the big games to come.
• France showed great heart in the second half, conceding only 34 points after giving up 58 in the first half. Their goal-line defence denied the Jillaroos more than once and they made the world champs work hard for their tries.

Star performers

Tarryn Aiken took home the player of the match award after a stunning display at halfback. The 23-year-old laid on four tries with her slick passing game and also crossed for a four-pointer of her own in the clinical display. Centre Jess Sergis was a standout with four tries and 134 run metres while Jaime Chapman had nine tackle breaks and grabbed a hat-trick on Test debut and Julia Robinson also scored three. Tallisha Harden relished her role as skipper for the night, carting the ball up powerfully and grabbing a try to mark the ocassion while lock Keilee Joseph ran for 182 metres.

What the result means

The Jillaroos are the clear tournament favourites and head into Friday's clash with arch-rivals the Kiwi Ferns in red hot form. Coach Brad Donald has some tough selection calls to make ahead of the knockout stages and he'll get a chance to test some different combinations against New Zealand. The winner of that game will finish top of the pool and take bragging rights into the finals.

Recap

• Match report: Jillaroos set sights on Kiwi Ferns after record win over France
• Key injuries: Holli Wheeler (thigh), Tallis Kuresa (ankle)

Recap

Robert Hawkins bagged five tries as England ran riot against Spain to secure their place in the knockout stage. Declan Roberts finished with a personal haul of 24 points, thanks to a hat-trick of tries and six conversions, while Wayne Boardman, Jack Brown and Joe Coyd all collected doubles. 

England led 50-10 at the break and finished the game having enjoyed 68 percent possession, completing 40 of their 50 sets with the ball. 

What the result means 

As expected, world No.2 ranked England are safely through to the knockout stages, with their final group game to come against Ireland. Spain still have it all to play for and can secure a semi-final berth with a win over Australia in their final group game. 

Recap

The Wheelaroos picked up their first win of the tournament with a dominant showing against Ireland, which saw the Australians race out to a 42-12 lead at half-time and never look back. 

Maroons star Bayley McKenna led the way with a personal haul of 34 points thanks to three tries and 10 conversions, while skipper Brad Grove scored a hat-trick as well. 

All up the Wheelaroos had seven different scorers, with Diab Karim and Peter
Arbuckle each providing three assists in the game at The Copper Box Arena. 

What the result means 

Australia are right back in the mix for a semi-final spot after their first-up loss to England and can secure a place in the knockout stages with a win over Spain in their final group game. Ireland's hopes of advancing are now over, ahead of coach Damian McCabe's side facing undefeated England in their final group game.