Tomkins shines on debut against Wales
Sam Tomkins scored a hat-trick on his debut against Wales
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By Matt Halam. |  |
Sunday, 18, Oct 2009 10:31
By Richard James.
Sam Tomkins scored a hat-trick of tries on his debut as England ran out 48-12 victors against Wales in their Four Nations warm-up game.
England were made to work hard for their victory and initially went behind to a Craig Kopzcak try.
Tony Smith's men, however, bounced back with two tries from Tomkins and one each from Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook and Sam Burgess to lead 20-6 at half-time.
Wales responded with a try from Ian Watson, but the game was put beyond their reach after two tries from Tom Briscoe and Sean O'Loughlin and Adrian Morely both crossing.
Tomkins then rounded off an impressive debut with his third and England's ninth try in the closing minutes of the game.
Smith said afterwards he was pleased with his team's performance despite the fact they made hard work of dismissing their opponents.
"Some of our skills were a little off at times, as was some of our decision-making," he said.
"But that's understandable when there are guys there who hadn't played for a while.
"I am pleased that we've been able to get some of the rustiness out and that we finished the game strongly. We scored some nice tries.
"We also got through it pretty well in terms of injuries, and I would be doubtful that we've got any concerns ahead of the games facing us."
England will play France in the first round of the Four Nations next Friday.