RUGBY LEAGUE:

England held off Tonga to reach the Rugby League World Cup final for the first time in 22 years with a 20-18 victory in Auckland. The English were coasting with a 20-0 lead in the 72nd minute of the semifinal. But the Tongans, with Jason Taumalolo at his rampaging best, hit back with tries from Tevita Pangai Junior, Siliva Havili and Tuimoala Lolohea to pull within two points.