Smith calls on England team to prove themselves
Tony Smith calls on England to "show what they can do"
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Wednesday, 12, Nov 2008 08:30
Head coach Tony Smith has urged his England team to "show the world what they can do" in their Rugby League World Cup semi-final against New Zealand.
Despite failing to impress in the tournament so far - suffering humiliating defeats to the Kiwis and hosts Australia in their last two games - Smith believes his side have more in the tank.
England's only win of the World Cup so far was a hard-fought 32-22 win over group whipping boys Papua New Guinea in their opening match.
And Smith admitted his side are yet to put together a performance of genuine quality.
"Some of our players haven't shown as much as they can produce," he said.
"We're looking forward to them doing that.
"We'd like the players who haven't performed so far to do it in game four and I've got no doubt that they will."
The St Helens trio of James Roby, James Graham and Ade Gardner, who all missed the 36-24 defeat to the Kiwis through either being rested or injured, are due to return for the last-four showdown.
And Smith hopes it will provide a catalyst for a more complete run-out.
"It's a chance for them to put their best foot forward and show the world what they can do," he continued.
"I don't think we've done that as a squad entirely. Some individuals have but we want to do it as a team."