England secure 2-0 Test series victory against Samoa

England secured a 2-0 Test series victory against Samoa after beating their opponents 34-16 at AMT Headingley Stadium on Sunday. 

Shawn Blore's try gave Samoa an early 6-2 lead in what was another bruising affair in front of a bumper 16,000+ crowd. 

Shaun Wane’s side had to fight back from this early deficit, as tries from Liam Marshall, on his debut, captain George Williams, Matty Ashton and Herbie Farnworth helped the hosts to a 22-6 advantage at the interval.

Samoa's Junior Pauga was sent to the sin-bin for a high tackle on John Bateman, which allowed England to capitalise with two of those tries. 

Jake Tago's try did bring the tourists back into the contest in the second stanza, but Farnworth, who enjoyed another standout performance, crossed for his double while showcasing more of his fancy footwork. 

This was before breaking down Samoa's line to assist a try for fullback Jack Welsby.

Jeremiah Nanai's late try from Jarome Luai's well-executed grubber kick was a consolation for Ben Gardiner’s side, as this historic Test series concluded with England as 2-0 winners. 

England: Jack Welsby, Matty Ashton, Harry Newman, Herbie Farnworth, Liam Marshall, George Williams, Harry Smith, Ethan Havard, Daryl Clark, Matty Lees, John Bateman, Junior Nsemba, Victor Radley, Mikey Lewis, Morgan Knowles, Mike McMeeken, Luke Thompson, Ben Currie.

Tries: Marshall, Williams, Ashton, Farnworth (2), Welsby

Goals: Smith (4)

Penalties: Smith (1)

Samoa: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Jeral Skelton, Jake Tago, Junior Pauga, Deine Mariner, Blaize Seuala-Talagi, Jarome Luai, Franci Molo, Jazz Tevaga, Terrell May, Shawn Blore Anae Ulisese, Jeremiah Nani, Luciano Leilua, Simi Sasagi, Gordan Chan Kum Tong, Keenan Palasia, Lazarus Vaalepu, Anthony Milford.

Tries: Blore, Tago, Nanai

Goals: Pauga (2)

Half-time: 22-6

Full-time: 34-16

Referee: Chris Kendall