We'd known England's exit from the Men's Rugby League World Cup was coming for a couple of days. And arguably, it was coming from the moment they lost their opener to Tonga 15 days ago. But for all the criticism of the men's tournament format, it's hard to dispute that the best four teams at the tournament are in the semi-finals.

Will it be an Australia v New Zealand final? I wouldn't bank on it. But we'll have a lot of fun finding out. Thanks for your company, and goodbye for now.

Matthew Elliott
Former Bradford Bulls head coach on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

There were a lot of high quality players out there in what was an extremely exciting and brutal game of footy.

The two best matches of this Men's Rugby League World Cup - with respect to Lebanon and France, who put on a thriller this morning - have been the opener between Australia and New Zealand, and the contest here between Tonga and Samoa. They are four fitting semi-finalists, and we will - I hope - get two classics next weekend.

Tonga half-back Isaiya Katoa, speaking on Premier Sports: "I think that was about five or 10 levels above NRL tonight. Every tackle felt like the first of the game. There are going to be some sore bodies out there.

"Something that goes so unnoticed is the impact Woolfy [Kristian Woolf] has as the coach. He cares about every single one of us. The reason you've got Jojo Fifita and Rob Toia wanting to play for Tonga is because of the coach."

Samoa's Ronald Volkman, who came on for the injured Chanel Harris-Tafita and scored a try: "To see Chanel go down like that isn't something I want to see. But for me to respect him, I have to stay ready. I'm just glad I got to go on and represent my family and my people.

"At the end of the day, little moments could have got us across the line and got us the win. Australia have got star power acros the board, so we'll have to be on for the full 80 for the semi-final next week."

Tonga prop Addin Fonua-Blake, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra: "I can't put it into words. We knew it was going to be tough, but we stuck in there. I'm so proud we kept fighting to the end. This is up there with Origin as an atmosphere. And this is the pinnacle for me. Representing my people is something special."

What a match eh.

After all that it means Tonga will face New Zealand in the semi-finals after winning Pool B&C.

Samoa will take on Australia in a repeat of the final in 2022.

England are out.

Matthew Elliott
Former Bradford Bulls head coach on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

Could this be a dress rehearsal for the final? I hope so. I shouldn't say that out loud as an Aussie but I hope so. And I want to add that Adam Gee's control and management of the game as referee allowed us to see one of the best games of footy we've had the opportunity to witness.

It's all over. Tonga have held on to triumph in one of the best matches of this year's World Cup.

Will anyone even hear the full-time whistle?

Lehi Hopoate comes up with an error from Ronald Volkman's kick but Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow throws the ball forward and out of play with the Tonga line at Samoa's mercy.

Samoa have the ball but are right by their own try line. They are running out of time and need something big here.

Sualauvi Faalogo thinks he has won the match for Samoa as he goes over in the corner but his foot is in touch. This is some finish.

Tyson Frizell is penalised for flopping on in the tackle. Samoa are back in business.

Lehi Hopoate puts his foot on the gas and breaks the Samoa line but his pass goes stray. That would have been the match.

Matthew Elliott
Former Bradford Bulls head coach on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

Can we please have some extra time? And then a little bit more? I want to stay here for the next four hours.