Video: Kearney expects England to grow stronger

Monday 2nd November 09

New Zealand coach Stephen Kearney expects England to hit top form in time for Saturday’s crucial Gillette Four Nations clash at Huddersfield’s Galpharm Stadium.

In a game that is being termed ‘Sudden Death Saturday’ the winner of the game will progress to the final on November 14 at Elland Road where they are likely to face Australia providing the Kangaroos beat France in Paris.

 “It’s what I’ve expected of England so far,” Kearney told the Gillette Four Nations website.  “I thought they were always going to get stronger as the competition went on and I thought their second half performances against France and Australia showed that.

“I guess they’ll keep the side that finished the second half on Saturday so they can start again stronger against us.”

After watching England’s game against Australia yesterday on DVD, Kearney was full of praise for Eorl Crabtree, the Huddersfield Giants prop who will be playing in front of his home crowd at the Galpharm.

The New Zealand boss also expect England’s forwards to try dominate the game, but is confident that his forwards will stand-up to the task.

Kearney said: “He’s a big guy who certainly gives some real energy. I thought he did a wonderful job.

“England’s play is all built off some good work down through the middle through the likes of Burgess, Adrian (Morley) and Jamie (Peacock) as well as Roby getting out from dummy half.
“It always comes back to those big guys setting a base for the exciting backs that England do have.

“We’ve got some guys in the middle as well who can build a sound platform for some exciting guys on the edge. Benji Marshall running at a defensive line going backwards is always a fairly pretty sight, but it’s all about setting a base in the middle.”

One of the biggest flashpoints at Saturday’s game could be between England’s Sam Burgess and New Zealand’s Fuifui Moimoi.

Back in 2007, a then 18 year old Burgess making his international debut flattened the Parmatta Eels prop with a colossal hit. However, Kearney is keen to warn South Sydney bound Burgess that Moimoi could be a different proposition this weekend.

“I think Fuifui is a different specimen to 2007. He’s had a wonderful year and Sam is also a wonderful young talent too so I’m sure if they cross paths that’s things might happen.

“The thing with Fui is that if you go in half hearted you’re going to come off second best and I know if they do cross paths there is going to be a big collision somewhere.”
With the exception of Steve Matai who suffered an eye injury in the 62-12 victory over France, New Zealand are likely to be at full strength against England.

Tickets for ‘Sudden Death Saturday’ where England and New Zealand will fight it out for a place in the Gillette Four Nations final are still available from £20.

To purchase tickets please call 0844 856 11 13 or visit www.rugbyleaguetickets.co.uk

For the latest news on the Gillette Four Nations tournament, please visit www.gillette4nations.co.uk