Toa Samoa set up a Rugby League World Cup semi-final meeting with England after edging a pulsating encounter against Maa Te Mai Tonga 20-18 in Warrington, England.

Tries from Jaydn Su'a and Jarome Luai gave Samoa a slender half-time lead, with Daniel Tupou and Siosiua Taukeiaho crossing for Kristian Woolf's side.

Brian To'o's converted try secured the win, despite Sione Katoa's late effort for Tonga ensuring a grandstand finish.

Samoa will now face England at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

Defending champions Australia will face New Zealand in Saturday's first semi-final in Leeds.

This hotly-anticipated fourth quarter-final between the two Pacific Island nations did not disappoint.

The traditional war dances prior to kick-off - the Siva Tau for Samoa and the Tongan Sipi Tau - provided a suitable prelude to a bruising contest that was packed with athleticism, power and superb ball-handling skills.