It’s Hall or nothing for England now
There’s a famous saying that ‘good things come to those who wait’, but patience is a luxury England can ill-afford in Four Nations rugby league. It’s all or nothing against the Kiwis on Saturday.
Only a win will see Steve McNamara’s men through to the Elland Road final next weekend and – at 11-8 with Betfred – I’m backing our lads to secure another crack at the Aussies.
Last Saturday’s enthralling 20-36 Wembley defeat to the Kangaroos restored pride among English fans. There were moments when our lads seemed to have the beating of the Green and Golds, and boy did the partisan crowd lap it up.
The adrenaline fuelled buzz as Ryan Hall stormed over for a sensational second try was a rare moment for English rugby league fans. For a few glorious, couple of seconds, it was the men in white who looked like the masters of their trade.
Sure, reality bit back hard. The Aussies – with the aid of one or two questionable calls from the official - reiterated their clinical prowess with ball in hand. We were not far off, though.
McNamara’s men will need to up their game once again. International rugby league leaves little room for error. You either gel quickly, or you’re doomed. Last week’s showing would suggest England are making good progress. Bring on New Zealand.
Led by the irrepressible talents of Benji Marshall, the Four Nations and World Cup holders have a handy knack of raising their game when it really matters.
The bookies are finding it hard to choose. Coral have the Kiwis at 8-11, while England’s 11-8 represents a much shorter return than the widely available 5-1 on offer against Australia.
England’s forwards ran the show early on against Australia. With an intimidating and partisan crowd behind them at the KC Stadium, I’m expecting the hosts to come flying out of the traps once again.
Hall’s finishing prowess and his blossoming partnership with centre Jack Reed caught the eye last week. Back the Leeds winger to open the scoring with the first try – 12-1 with Blue Square.
All eyes, of course, will be on England’s Kiwi-born stand-off Rangi Chase – 25-1 to score the first try in this contest against his countrymen. His country of birth that is.
A sublime talent, capable of unlocking any defence – Super League’s Man of Steel has plenty in his locker. For me, though, Chase epitomises individual class. To flourish at international level, he needs to start appreciating the players around him a little more. The likes of Sam Tomkins and Kevin Sinfield should not be wondering what Chase is going to do next.
At club level, Chase runs the show for Castleford. With England, his combination play with Sinfield and when Tomkins comes into the attacking line, needs to be slicker. Fingers crossed.
New Zealand’s biggest threat comes at half-back –it’s the very reason Chase turned his back on Stephen Kearney’s team. Marshall, Kieran Foran, Isaac Luke, Thomas Leuluai, Nathan Fien and Shaun Johnson. His chances were limited.
England’s defence will have to be tighter. If it is, I’ve no doubt we’ve got the forward power and attacking artillery to see us home. An England win by 13+ points is 5-1 with Stan James.
Tom Briscoe was cruelly denied a Wembley try last week – the winger is 14-1 with Betfred to grab the final try of the game on what is a more familiar stomping ground.
