RLWC supporters celebrate throughout the night as Samoa takes on England in a semi-final match in the UK. Video / Hayden Woodward
Fans are parading in victorious celebrations all over Auckland after Toa Samoa’s stunning victory over England in the Rugby League World Cup semifinal.
Cars hoisting Samoan flags flooded streets last night and this morning to mark the occasion.
Parades are currently being held in Manurewa, Ōtara, Māngere, Remuera and North Shore with crowds singing and dancing to show their support for the team.
Hundreds of cars hoisting red and blue flags filled Canning Cres and Mascot Ave in Māngere this morning as Samoan fans gathered en masse outside Māngere Town Centre chanting praises for their team and singing in joy.
Samoan fans are celebrating the team's Rugby League World Cup win over England at Māngere Town Centre today. Photo / Alex Burton
Traditional fire dancers could also be seen participating in the celebrations.
Similar parades were held in Avondale and Ōtara.
In Ōtara, a fan could be seen dancing with a Samoan flag in his hand standing on the roof of Supa Supermarket while others gathered on the street celebrating the win.
Cars pack Auckland streets displaying Samoan flags after the team beat England in the Rugby League World Cup semifinal. Photo / Hayden Woodward
Counties Manukau Police asked fans to “keep the celebrations golden” in a social media post.
“Crowds are out and celebrating Samoa’s stunning win over England, but Police are reminding revellers to be respectful while partying - English tears are the only ones we need today.
“Large crowds have gathered in Ōtara and Māngere, but this is creating congestion and issues for other road users.
“We’ve had reports of people celebrating in ways that creates a risk to them and others, such as riding in an unsafe manner and waving large flags while driving,” the post said.
“Save the heartbreak for Shaun Wane and his side, and make sure your partying doesn’t put yourself or others in harm’s way.
“If you’re on the road today, you can check the NZTA website for updated information on traffic delays.”
Samoa reached its first Rugby League World Cup semifinals after edging an unsparing clash with Tonga, 20-18, last week.
Yesterday, Samoa pulled off one of the great sporting comebacks to knock out England from its own Rugby League World Cup, earning a final showdown against Australia.
Four weeks after being humiliated 60-6 by England in the tournament opener in Newcastle, the Samoans turned the table in dramatic fashion with a golden point 27-26 semifinal victory at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium.
Centre Stephen Crichton was the match-winner, kicking a 40m drop goal in the fourth minute of extra time, to add to his two tries and three conversions.
England saved its worst 40-minute performance for the semifinal but emerged from its slumber to rally from 20-12 down and twice draw level in a breathless second half before being pipped at the death.
Police stop RLWC fans from dancing in the streets as the parking lot empties at the corner of Mascot Ave and Bader Drive, Māngere after Samoa beat England in the semifinal. Photo / Hayden Woodward
The game lacked the quality of the first semifinal between Australia and New Zealand on Saturday, but it made up for it with sheer excitement and drama as Samoa, making their first appearance in a World Cup semifinal, revelled in the role of underdog.
They played the more attractive rugby, while England was strangely tentative from the start despite being given a helping hand.
The Rugby League World Cup Final is next Sunday at Old Trafford.
