Previews

England test grows stronger

Author: Brandon Barker
Date: 30/10/2009
Rugby League betting

The rugby league Four Nations tournament goes into a second weekend with England on top of the table following their victory over France.

Tony Smith's new-look side were far from convincing at Doncaster's Keepmoat Stadium against the French, eventually running out 34-12 winners thanks to five second-half tries.

Can England clinch Four Nations glory? - Latest Rugby League Betting

Smith accepted that his side will need to improve quickly , with a meeting with online betting favourites Australia at Wigan's DW Stadium next up for England.

"We were a long way off where we'd like to be and where we're going to be, hopefully," Smith said. "We go up about three rungs in class next week."

However, England received a major boost to their hopes of making the final after the Kangeroos and New Zealand shared a 20-20 draw at the Twickenham Stoop.

That left Smith's side needing just one win from their clashes with Australia and the Kiwis to ensure a place in the final.

Huddersfield Giants prop Eorl Crabtree could return to the England team after coming through a training session unscathed.

Crabtree missed the warm-up game against Wales and last Friday's unconvincing win over France after undergoing minor knee surgery, but could feature on Saturday.

England boss Smith has a fully-fit squad to choose from as scrum-half Richie Myler has also recovered from the effects of concussion.

Meanwhile, Australia coach Tim Sheens sees reason to be optimistic after his side rescued a draw against the world champions thanks to a converted last-minute try from Cameron Smith.

He said: "At one stage it was a point lost, but in the end it was a point gained. All credit to the boys, they stuck at it and ended up keeping us in the tournament."

Sheens is aware that his sdie must now beat England to remain on course for the final, with a win over France in ther final group game all but a certainty.

Meanwhile, New Zealand can pile on the pressure by beating France, with the Kiwis full of confidence after a fine display against Australia which should have ended in a victory.

However, their preparations have been hit by the news that Thomas Leuluai is a major doubt due to a calf injury sustained against Australia, with coach Stephen Kearney considering resting the scrum-half to ensure that he is fit to face England.

France will be without Catalans Dragons prop David Ferriol after the front rower was placed on report for striking England loose forward Kevin Sinfield.

The tournament's match review panel decided that Ferriol deserved a one-match ban although he will be available for France's final group game against Australia in Paris on November 7.

BET NOW