England 20-12 New Zealand
Peter Fox celebrates with his England team-mates after one of his two tries
Saturday, 07, Nov 2009 04:52
By Alistair Potter.
England earned the right for revenge against Australia in the Four Nations final next Saturday with a convincing performance to overturn world champions New Zealand at the Galpharm Stadium.
Peter Fox was the star of the show, scoring twice before half-time to put the home side 18-6 ahead, after Kyle Eastmond's early score was cancelled out by Bryce Goodwin.
Ben Matulino made things interesting with a converted score shortly after the break to pull the Kiwis to within six points.
But some stern defensive work and a Kevin Sinfield penalty seven minutes from the end ensured the home side built on a convincing second-half performance against Australia last week.
The result means England qualify for the final from the round-robin stage, despite a scrappy victory over underdogs France and a lacklustre first half against the Australians in the last fortnight.
In the day's earlier game, Australia secured their passage into the showpiece against the tournament hosts with a convincing 42-4 victory over the French.
Debutant Michael Jennings grabbed a hat-trick, while the Morris twins - Josh and Brett - each scored a brace as the Kangaroos ran riot after the interval.