'Wonderful' England through to final

Published on Sunday 8 November 2009 21:32

ENGLAND coach Tony Smith described his side's win over New Zealand as a "shot in the arm" for the northern hemisphere – but insisted there were no celebrations after they clinched a place in the Gillette Four Nations final.

Smith's men defeated World Cup winners New Zealand 20-12 at Huddersfield to set up a showdown with Australia at Elland Road next Saturday, when they will seek to improve on their 26-16 defeat in Wigan.

"It's a real shot in the arm for the game in the northern hemisphere and for Super League," said Smith. "The southern hemisphere are always favourites in our sport, and to beat them to the final is a feat in itself."

Winger Peter Fox marked his recall with a crucial two-try burst just before half-time. But England's heroes were their pack, who won a war of attrition.

"Full credit to the English side, they were very good tonight," said Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney. "We didn't put our best foot forward, but the English didn't allow us to do that. I thought they were wonderful."