Nick Wright previews this weekend's clash between York City Knights and Hull FC
James Tompkinson reviews an excellent pre-season victory for the York City Knights against Yorkshire rivals Leeds Rhinos
James Tompkinson previews York City Knights' upcoming clash with Leeds Rhinos
Anthony Quinn previews Saturday's Four Nations match between England and Australia
After last week's close defeat against the Kangaroos at Wembley Stadium, England go into this evening's clash with much to prove but also in the knowledge that a similarly resolute performance should ensure them victory against the Kiwis and consequently a place in the Four Nations Final.
Last Saturday, a new look England showed much attacking flair against Australia so much so that they left the field at half time to a standing ovation despite trailing 12-8. One could argue that had it not been for one or two contentious calls from the match officials and lacklustre tackles whilst the match was still in the balance, then England could well have been celebrating their first win over Australia since the Great Britain team's victory in 2006. As it happens England did not win but at the same time did much to extinguish any fears from the sceptics who had predicted another routine drubbing being delivered by the green and golds. It is with this newly found confidence that England must approach the match against both the World and Four Nations Champions.
Whist England have been resurgent of late, New Zealand have not found it so easy to rediscover the same dynamism which has had jaws dropping in recent years. After being thrashed 42-6 in the warm up to the 4 Nations, New Zealand seem to have had their confidence dented somewhat. They were sloppy against Australia in the tournament opener two weeks ago and in their match with Wales where Kearney's men seemed to be labouring far more than anticipated. In addition, injuries to the formidable front rowers of Fuifui Moimoi and Sam McKendry and the non inclusion of the impressive Frank Paul 'the wrecking ball' Nu'uausala has left Kearney's team looking rather vulnerable in the forwards.
Depleted or not however, if England assume that their opponents at the KC Stadium will be any less of a test than Australia then they do so at their peril. Lining up at number 6 for New Zealand will be their talisman, and arguably the best player in the world, Benji Marshall who is capable of winning matches single-handedly as he has so often demonstrated in recent years both for club and country. If England are to have any chance of winning then they must look to keep his possession of the football to an absolute minimum.
As well as shutting out the opposition, Steve McNamara's men will need to play to their strengths and include the majestic Sam Tomkins far more than they did in their previous match. Despite being pinned back into a defensive position for much of the game, Tomkins had a hand in each and every one of England's four tries last week and should provide the key to victory this evening.
England have showed that they can defy the odds and defeated New Zealand in this fixture two years ago to reach the final and there is no reason why they cannot go ahead and repeat that feat this evening.
Confident England can bounce back and reach the final? I am.
Williamhill.com offers 5/2 that England will be winning both at half time and full time
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