Fiji, Nov. 2 -- A fountain of youth has helped propel Fetu Samoa to its first World Cup semi-finals in their third attempt at the premier international women's tournament.

Eight players from the 17 that enjoyed a 24-6 victory over England in Wollongong are aged 22 years - six of them are 20 or younger.

That win sent Samoa to a semi-final showdown with the Kiwi Ferns next Saturday in Newcastle.

According to 'older' heads in the Samoan team, like 31-year-old co-captain and prop Annetta Nu'uausala, and 33-year-old halfback Pauline Piliae-Rasable, the youthful freedom of expression among the younger players has been the elixir.

"This year we've got a lot more young girls who have joined our squad," Nu'uausala said.

"And with these young ...