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Scores updated regularly. REFRESH NOW
England vs New Zealand |
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|---|---|---|
2016 Rugby League Four Nations |
||
| John Smith's Stadium, Huddersfield | ||
| England | New Zealand | |
| 16 | SCORE | 17 |
| 2 | Tries | 3 |
| 2/2 | Goals | 1/3 |
| 2/2 | Penalty Goals | 1/1 |
| 0 | Field Goals | 1 |
After a disappointing last start, reigning champions New Zealand will be hoping to get back in the winner’s circle when they take on competition dark horses England. Join The Roar from 12:30am (AEDT) for live coverage.
England captain Sam Burgess will be given his first run in the national team since returning from a short-lived rugby union pilgrimage.
Burgess will add another dimension to the England forward pack which features his twin brothers George and Tom, Warrington recruit Mike Cooper, Bulldogs captain James Graham and Raiders workhorse Elliott Whitehead.
Wayne Bennett’s adopted side blasted France in Avignon coming away with a 40-6 victory in preparation for the Four Nations however, they will face a much tougher challenge against the world No.1 nation.
Wigan stand-off George Williams must play a structured game in addition to his impressive running game while his halves partner Gareth Widdop needs to take control against a talented New Zealand side and play an attacking game by utilising his talented backline players.
Ryan Hall will be looking to add to his two-try haul against les Chanticleers last week, the veteran Leeds winger the second-most capped player in the side with 28 appearances behind only James Graham on 30.
It will be a milestone occasion for Widdop, pulling on the red and white for the 20th time while Chris Hill and skipper Burgess are expected to receive their 15th caps.
Kiwis coach David Kidwell has made no changes to his side that lost 6-26 to neighbours and fierce rivals Australia in Perth.
Kidwell will be hoping that Shaun Johnson and Thomas Leuluai can string together some good fifth tackle options after New Zealand struggled to end their sets and push Australia on the last tackle.
Shaun Kenny-Dowall has been named despite failing to make an impact and will be required to create some damaging runs and ensure he holds on to the ball to warrant his selection.
The driving force for the Kiwis will be their forward pack which features Dally M Medallist Jason Taumalolo as well as Storm trio Jesse Bromwich, Kevin Proctor and Tohu Harris.
The New Zealand forward pack will certainly be looking to wreak havoc after their formidable size was stopped by the fearless Australians.
In 15 meetings, New Zealand have the upper-hand with eight wins compared to England’s six. One match between the two has been drawn.
Last time they met, England claimed the Baskerville Shield with a 20-14 win in Wigan following a 26-12 victory in Hull and 2-9 loss in London.
Prediction
Wayne Bennett’s Poms will rub salt in the wounds of New Zealand, coming away with yet another win over the Kiwis in their quest for world No.1 status.
England by 4
Join The Roar from 12:30am (AEDT) for live score updates and debate in our live blog.
You can find Riley on Twitter @rileypettigrew.
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