England v New Zealand: Teams

[josie andrews]

England and New Zealand will do battle at the KC Stadium to decide who will meet Australia in this year's Four Nations final.

Saturday's match is a winner-takes-all showdown, with both nations recording comfortable victories over Wales and losing to Australia so far.


Steve McNamara's side do at least have good memories of facing the Kiwis in Hull - they defeated their next opponents by two points at the same venue back in 2004 to squeeze through to the Tri-Nations final, then thrashed them 44-0 three years later in a one-sided Test series.

They also ran out 20-12 victors in the corresponding match of the 2009 Four Nations at Huddersfield, though New Zealand triumphed in the last meeting, in Wellington last year.

The incentive for both teams is the chance of another crack at the Kangaroos, something forward Jon Wilkin admits England are desperate for after their 36-20 defeat at Wembley last weekend.

Massive game

"We are looking forward to what is a massive game in terms of the Four Nations for us," he told Sky Sports NewsHD.

"Getting to the final has always been our goal and we are really keen to have another crack at Australia. We felt we acquitted ourselves well against them first time, but we think we can do better."

For the first time in the tournament McNamara could be forced to make changes to his team.

He has delayed the announcement of his line-up due to injury concerns over experienced forwards Jamie Peacock, James Graham and Gareth Ellis, meaning it is still possible the trio could be fit to play.

"They are obviously three important players for us and we are hoping they can play," said Wilkin after training at the KC Stadium on Friday morning. "I think the medical team will have to make some decisions on them, and we've certainly not picked the side just yet.

"But we are very confident in the 24-man squad we've got. The lads that are in there have been picked for a reason, and that is to do a job should we get injuries.

"Hopefully, though, these three big, experienced players will be fighting fit to take on the Kiwis."

Rangi Chase is certainly fit to play and the half-back will be the centre of attention as he goes up against the country of his berth.

The Castleford Tiger played against England for the New Zealand Maoris last year but will this weekend be lining up against some of his old team-mates.

Laidback
Wilkin insists Chase can cope with the added pressure, adding: "Rangi is probably one of the most laidback guys you could ever meet - if he were any more laid back he would be horizontal. He takes everything in his stride.

"There's been a lot of media focus on him, after deciding to play for England.

"But as an England player, and as a proud Englishman, what you're looking for from the guy is commitment - commitment to our badge and commitment to our national identity. In that respect, we couldn't ask any more from him."

Like his English counterpart, New Zealand coach Stephen Kearney - who spent a season playing in Super League for Hull FC - has delayed naming his starting XIII, with no announcement expected until the day of the game.

The Kiwis have a major doubt over prop Fuifui Moimoi (ankle) and are certain to be without fellow front rower Sam McKendry, who has a broken jaw.

Hooker Issac Luke and second-rower Simon Mannering could both return after being rested for their side's 36-0 victory over Wales at Wembley.

http://www.skysports.com/rugbyleague/ma ... um=twitter

[josie andrews]

England v New Zealand preview.


England and NZ gear up for Four Nations decider

Hull's KC Stadium will be no place for the faint-hearted on Saturday when England and New Zealand do battle for a place in the Gillette Four Nations final.

It is a winner-takes-all clash after the first two rounds left England level pegging with the Kiwis, with both having defeated Wales and lost to Australia, and remarkably they also have the same points difference.

However, New Zealand's superior points percentage means they need only a draw to go through to a meeting with the Kangaroos at Elland Road next week and all the pointers are for a closely-fought contest.

There has been just one draw in England's nine previous meetings with the Kiwis but in 2004 only two points separated Great Britain and New Zealand at the KC Stadium, with the hosts squeezing through to the Tri Nations final.

The Kiwis were also on the wrong end of a 20-12 scoreline in the corresponding match of the 2009 Four Nations at Huddersfield and Ryan Hall, who was an ever-present in that series, believes England can draw on the experience.

"In 2009 we did exactly what we needed to. Now we've got to do it again," the Leeds winger said.

"We've matured a bit in rugby terms since then and, having done that, it gives us a bit of experience."

England will be encouraged by their battling 36-20 defeat by Australia at Wembley, where they were distinctly out of luck, while New Zealand have quietly gone about their business so far, ominously ready to peak when it matters.

Kiwi coach Stephen Kearney knows the KC Stadium well, having had a season with Hull FC in 2005, but New Zealand have lost on both their previous matches there.

In addition to their 26-24 loss to Great Britain in 2004, they suffered a crushing 44-0 defeat there during their ill-fated 2007 Test series.

Jamie Peacock, Gareth Ellis and James Graham all featured in what was Britain's record win over the Kiwis on home soil and their fitness could be crucial to England's chances.

England will need at least two of their most experienced forwards to recover from injuries sustained against Australia but the loss of any one of them will be keenly felt.

Unusually, coach Steve McNamara has yet to announce his team, which is not a good sign, but he is confident over the outcome of the match.

"We've improved each week throughout the tournament without doubt and I'm sure we'll see some more improvement this week to get us over the line," he said.

"There's a lot at stake. We need to play with a lot of passion and a lot of control at the same time.

"If we get that mix right, we will be a tough side beat but we're up against a Kiwi team that has been very successful in the last four years."

McNamara could yet field the same team for a fourth consecutive match but, whatever selection he makes, one player guaranteed a spot is Leeds captain Kevin Sinfield, who will be playing in his 40th match of 2011.

Sinfield, who was man of the match playing at hooker in that 20-12 win over the Kiwis in 2009, has been in exceptional form during the second half of the season, despite his remarkable workload.

"He looks after himself as good as anybody and that's probably why he can do what he's doing at this moment in time," McNamara said.

"His influence on this team, as I've said right from the start, is very, very big.

"He's played in three different positions throughout this tournament and his performance hasn't diminished in any of those positions. He's a very good professional."

Fewer than 3,000 tickets remain unsold, raising the prospect of a full house at the 25,000-capacity stadium.

"There has been a lot of awareness in the fixture since the competition began but it has taken on a new level during the past week and it will be fantastic to see the sides take to the pitch in front of a near-capacity crowd," RFL chief executive Nigel Wood said.

http://www.therfl.co.uk/news/article/23952

[bourbon_rat]

The Kiwis held a meeting in their Leeds hotel on Friday with match referee Matt Cecchin and official bosses Stuart Raper and Stuart Cummins, who also held discussions with the England backroom staff on Thursday.

"We wanted to be very clear about the interpretations," explained Kearney.

"The referees' bosses spelt it out to the lads. I think everyone's got some clarity."

I'm expecting a forwards bashfest & some ugly penalties

[cumbria_warrior]

Well done Sam for all the disgracefull tackles you had to deal with, kept your cool and was well pleased got a try near the end

[yokozuna]

Well done Sam for all the disgracefull tackles you had to deal with, kept your cool and was well pleased got a try near the end

He's had a few seasons to get used to the high shots. As they say in boxing, "he's got a great chin".

Other than the early kick that he failed to take, he had a very solid game. So glad he's staying with us.