The stage is set for a cracking contest at Wembley as England does battle with New Zealand for the right to participate in the Rugby League World Cup final. Join us for live scores and commentary from 12.00am AEDT.
England is one game away from hosting an historic World Cup final at Old Trafford after accounting for France in the quarter-finals.
New Zealand however will present itself as a far more imposing obstacle in a semi-final that should go down to the wire.
A record international rugby league crowd is expected to turn up to Wembley to cheer on an English outfit that will need all the support it can get against the Kiwis.
Despite being the reigning world champions, New Zealand’s current squad is said to be its best ever, even beating out the squad that won the World Cup on Australian soil five years ago.
For the first time in many moons, New Zealand possess firepower and stability in all positions, particularly upfront.
With Sonny Bill Williams, Frank Paul Nuuausala, Jared Waerea Hargreaves, Frank Pritchard, Sam Moa and Issac Luke leading the line-upfront, the Kiwis will take a power of stopping tonight.
The Burgess brothers Sam, Luke and George will all have to play at their best if England hopes to outmuscle a Kiwi pack that possesses plenty of skill and grunt.
The key to victory for New Zealand tonight will be the performance from Warriors half Shaun Johnson.
While his halves partner Kieran Foran is a big game player, Johnson can go missing at times on the big stage and it will be interesting to see if he can play the percentages well against an England side that will target him heavily when in possession.
If Johnson plays well, New Zealand will go a long way to securing their place in the final.
At the moment, the Kiwis just possess that extra bit of flair and creativity in their line-up to post the points needed to beat the English.
However, New Zealand can ill-afford to start like they did against Scotland last week.
In the opening 12 minutes of play, the Kiwis were on the back foot against Scotland in the quarter final and would be wise to keep their discipline and error rate in check against England.
England love a good arm wrestle and will fancy their chances of beating New Zealand if the men in black decide to play pretty football without having first laid a platform upfront.
Overall, both teams are evenly matched, given that England possess important home ground advantage.
New Zealand however possess the players most likely to produce the winning play needed to secure passage to the Rugby League World Cup final.
New Zealand by eight.
conrad
Guest
Kevin Locke should be still in the team this is my line up 1, Locke 2, Tui-vasa-sheck if not able Hoffman 3, Whare 4, Inu 5, Vatuvei 6, Foran 7,Johnson 8, Wairea-Hargreaves 9, Luke 10, Kasiano 11, Nua-Sala 12, Bill- Williams 13, Mannering 14, Matalino 15, Pritchard 16, Bromwich 17, Goodwin
DR
Guest
Cheers
english twizz
Guest
75,000 old trafford and sold out
DR
Guest
For all his faults he can win games. Remember the Warriors Tigers semi 2011? Won't beat theKangaroos with percentage football. Need to have a go and Inu can provide a spark. More imposing defensively too. Eastwood as well thinking about it. Can't see Kearney changing now to be fair.
Johnno
Guest
Id bring in inu too maybe he's a big game player.
DR
Guest
Makes sense then. Top tier looked half full so 70,000 seems reasonable. How many does Old Trafford hold and is it sold out or close to it?
DR
Guest
Very true. Wonder if Kearney will stick with Locke? Goodwin is my major concern. Can't fault the blokes effort but just isn't good enough for me.
english twizz
Guest
it was only that top bit the rest of the ground was sold out. the top bit holds 30,000
eszkal
Guest
I cannot beleive this stat... maximum 60,000
Common Sense
Guest
90,000 seater stadium.
Johnno
Guest
wow i was huessing 60,000 max, definatley looked 55,000 and maybe 60,000 but 70,000 wow. surprised. Wembley holds 90,000 just didnt look 70,000 on tv but it was then.
Johnno
Guest
Hoffman, Frank Pritchard, Manu Vatuvei will really lift team 12 interhchange rule suits kiwis big forwards
DR
Guest
6b? Thought it went further.....
Johnno
Guest
2nd best game of rugby league I've ever watched. 1990 roo tour 2nd test was so tense, Both games were decided on the bell, and both times Eng/GB broken hearts Best rugby league games ever -Roo tour 1990 2nd test -2013 World cup semi-final Eng V NZ -1995 Australia V NZ rugby league world cup semi final extra time -Newcastls v Manly ARL Grand final -State of origin super league 1997 grand final -World cup final 2000 Old trafford -1989 Balmain V Canberra NSWRL Grand final -Wally Lewis last origin match 1991
John
Guest
I think it's safe to say Kevin Locke is finished as fullback at the warriors next year. Tomkins totally outplayed him and Locke almost lost kiwis the game with dumb decisions and that crazy pass to row 6b in the stands.
Jonathan de Thierry
Guest
Sori bwt it all the thousands of England rugby league fanatics! We are just to good!
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
It was awesome to watch. You have to feel for England. They did everything right for 79 minutes. But we all know that league is an 80 minute match. An incredible result to an incredible match.
english twizz
Guest
there was 70,000 at the game
jimmyd
Guest
Wow the great escape! Well done Kiwis! Sorry England! Note for next week. ..hold the ball.. and stop the dumb offloads please.
Johnno
Guest
And Ashton Aghar missing out on hundred wow , that hurt too. Jelana Dokic being knocked out at OZ open after making Q/Finals from no where.