Somehow, England are in the World Cup Final.
With seven minutes to play, Wayne Bennett’s men led 20-0 and were in cruise control. And then something incredible came from nowhere.
A Tongan whirlwind saw the South Sea Islanders mount one of the greatest comebacks in the sport’s history to score three converted tries in just five incredible minutes to set up the finale to end all finales.
Sam Burgess applauds supporters after helping England qualify for the World Cup final
Jermaine McGilvary went over inside the opening 10 minutes as England took control early on
England have qualified for their first Rugby League World Cup final since 1995 with the victory
As time expired Andrew Fifita had the line, and belief-defying victory in sight, but the ball came from his grasp and with it, Tonga’s tournament. It looked as though England’s Elliott Whitehead had stolen the ball before Fifita regathered to score.
It looked as though the miracle had come off. It looked as though England had choked more than any England team in history – and that is some accolade. But for reasons only known to himself, the referee Matt Cecchin ignored pleas to go upstairs and the game was over.
England – who had performed excellently for 73 minutes will head to Brisbane to take on Australia net weekend in their first final since 1995.
Some spectacle, this. Auckland’s Mount Smart Stadium was a sea of red and white for the occasion, with incredible backing for the South Sea Islanders in a sell-out crowd of 30,003.
Jason Taumalolo leads the challenge as Tonga prepared for the semi-final clash with England
Burgess is tackled by Tonga’s defence as England established a dominant early lead
Luke Gale is tackled during first half of the semi-final at the Mount Smart Stadium in Auckland
If you were selling Tonga flags in the New Zealand city over the past week, chances are you will have made a few dollars.
Such was the frenzied noise, that an early penalty call was not heard, resulting in a comical, yet meaningless, 10-second passage of play. At one point, Sweet Chariot rang out.
Jermaine McGillvary – who has been carrying England home of late – scored Wayne Bennett’s men’s first on 10 minutes out wide on the right.
It was the 10th successive international match in a row in which the Huddersfield winger has crossed the whitewash. It was blood and thunder, with ferocious hits flying in from all angles.
Daniel Tupou charges forwards as Tonga attempted to gain a foothold in the opening period
Tonga supporters roared on their side to conjure up a remarkable atmosphere in Auckland
Kallum Watkins bombs forward as England qualified for the World Cup final against Australia
Even James Graham, England’s hard-running prop, was forced to take a knee. Then came two big decisions. Tonga, following a stunning, length-of-the-field attack on the final tackle, were denied a try for double movement.
At the other end, English video referee Ben Thaler made himself unpopular when he gave Gareth Widdop the green light after he escaped what looked like a completed tackle to score. Widdop converted to make it 12-0.
England made it to 21 minutes before knocking on for the first time, ruining a decent attacking opportunity. Their next one, by Tom Burgess under the posts, did likewise.
That said, their opponents were also profligate as a frenetic first stanza drew to a close. It was nowhere near over.
Against New Zealand, Tonga came back from 16-2 down to stun the rugby league world. Following the break, a Widdop penalty edged the lead to 14-0 and more strong defence from England’s wall of white followed.
Gareth Widdop barely put a foot wrong as his performance helped England qualify for the final
England second-row Elliott Whitehead is tackled by three Tonga defenders on Saturday
Michael Jennings and Andrew Fifita embrace after Tonga crashed out of the World Cup
With the Tongans seemingly tiring, John Bateman crashed over to capitalise on more smart work from Widdop, who nailed the extras to put 20 points between the pair.
But there was unbelievable life. A close range burst over from Tevita Pangai Junior, goaled by Sio Siua Taukeiaho brought the crowd to its feet. At the time it felt like a nice moment for those wonderful supporters. It kickstarted chaos.
Moments later Siliva Havili was in and then, with England on their knees, Tuimoala Lolohea again converted, brought them within two. Tonga’s coach is Kristian Woolf.
His team were knocking at the door and looked like they had crashed it down as Fifita regathered to score – until referee Cecchin intervened. It was cruel. England will not care.