By Staff Writer
The Rugby League World Cup is in a shock. Praises are on overflow.
Toa Samoa is in the Rugby League World Cup finals with a 27-26 revenge win over England this morning local time.
Back home in Samoa the overwhelming show of support or ‘tapuaiga’ with long parades of cars flying Samoan flags on the main streets of urban Apia has paid off big time with the historic win.
Today is church day so the celebration will be more heavenly oriented with more road shows expected to follow in the coming days.
Toa Samoa will make its maiden cup challenge against Australia next weekend.
Here are some of the news write ups on the Toa Samoa’s huge history making upset win carried by the international media reports:
BBC SPORTS :
* We owe it to the people of Samoa’ – Samoa captain Junior Paulo, speaking to BBC Sport:
“It’s quite an emotional one. We always knew we had the belief in the team. We knew if we turned up and played our best footy, we knew what we could achieve.
“I’ve got to give credit to England. As a fan they were the most entertaining. It went right down to the wire, it was always going to be tough coming up against such a great team. Hats off to England.
“There is a lot of people who are praying for us all around the world. This one is for them. I believe we have been playing through their prayers and blessings over the last couple of weeks. We owe it to the people of Samoa.
“We have to enjoy the win tonight and then we have another week just to prep. There’s only one week to go. It’s all about the journey, and the journey continues.”
* Willie Poching – Former Samoa captain on BBC One
“It’s gonna move mountains. Getting the big name players to represent their country of heritage, this is why. What it’s going to do for rugby league, it’s massive.
It’s about pride in the country and pride in the flag, it’s a massive moment.
* We weren’t given a chance’ – Samoa player of the match Jarome Luai:
“I don’t think anyone gave us a chance tonight but the belief we have is very strong. I don’t know what to say.
“We feel the energy of your support, we need it for one more game.
“Our scramble, our belief. Not many calls went our way but our brotherhood really showed. It’s never been done before, I love this group of boys.
“The loss was a blessing in disguise but we put our heads down and we worked hard. I’m really grateful.
“We have to enjoy this moment and see what we can do next week.”
* Dave Woods : BBC Rugby League correspondent on BBC One
“What a moment for rugby league, what a moment for that nation!
“English hearts are broken. Samoa have just written a huge chapter in the history of rugby league.
“For the first time a nation that isn’t Australia, New Zealand or England/Great Britain has reached a World Cup final. The glass ceiling has been shattered.
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SPORTING NEWS :
* “Samoa are only just leaving the field now, having held prayer together in a circle. The pocket of fans they have here are absolutely raucous – and they deserve to be. What a day. What a history-making day.
“You cannot – you absolutely cannot! – understate what this does to rugby league. For generations, it has been the tier one nations who have controlled this tournament; Australia, New Zealand, England. Tonga almost broke the glass ceiling five years ago; now, Toa Samoa have smashed it.