New Zealand beat England in semis
Sunday, 16 November 2008
England's World Cup campaign is over after another error-strewn performance in their semi-final with New Zealand, reports BBC.
Tony Smith's side trailed 16-0 midway through the first half thanks to tries from Sam Perrett, Lance Hohaia and Jerome Ropati before fighting back.
But despite two touchdowns for Danny McGuire, England were always chasing the game at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium.
They closed to within six points late in the match, but Benji Marshall's score gave New Zealand a deserved win.
As anticipated, England coach Smith started with Ade Gardner on the right wing despite leaving the St Helens man out of his initial 19-man squad earlier in the week.
Rob Purdham and Ben Westwood kept their place amongst the forwards and McGuire partnered Rob Burrow at half-back.
Leon Pryce dropped to a bench that also featured Adrian Morley, Jon Wilkin and Mickey Higham. But there was no place in the squad for Leeds Rhinos skipper Kevin Sinfield.
Tony Smith's side trailed 16-0 midway through the first half thanks to tries from Sam Perrett, Lance Hohaia and Jerome Ropati before fighting back.
But despite two touchdowns for Danny McGuire, England were always chasing the game at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium.
They closed to within six points late in the match, but Benji Marshall's score gave New Zealand a deserved win.
As anticipated, England coach Smith started with Ade Gardner on the right wing despite leaving the St Helens man out of his initial 19-man squad earlier in the week.
Rob Purdham and Ben Westwood kept their place amongst the forwards and McGuire partnered Rob Burrow at half-back.
Leon Pryce dropped to a bench that also featured Adrian Morley, Jon Wilkin and Mickey Higham. But there was no place in the squad for Leeds Rhinos skipper Kevin Sinfield.