England went through to the semi finals of the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, thanks mainly to an outstanding performance from Newcastle Falcons youngster Tait. The 20-year old scored a last-gasp try (minus his boot which came off in the final tackle) in the dying seconds of England’s quarter final against Samoa to take England to a semi-final against Fiji.

Tait was England’s only try scorer in the nail-bitingly close affair, crossing the line by breaking through the Samoan defence. It looked as if Tom Varndell (Leicester) would join him on the score sheet when he crossed the try line but was unable to ground the ball.

Tait scored a second thanks to some impressive attacking and team work from England near the try line.

The Samoans came back and almost scored but Varndell just managed to stop them from touching down.  England led at the break 12-0.

Samoa came back strong in the second half with two quick tries by Manuwatu and Mai. England defended well but they managed to slip through and ground the ball under the posts. Two successful conversions meant they led 14-12.  Seconds were left on the clock and it looked as if England were going to go out of their third successive Commonwealth Games in the quarter-finals, when Tait got the ball and ran for the line. His try meant England won the game and reached the semi-finals.