Defence was key - Fox

England players turn focus to Australia

Last updated: 7th November 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Defence was key - Fox

Fox is congratulated on his second try

I thought the lads were brave tonight, that was what got us through.

Jamie Peacock
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Peter Fox was delighted with his two-try display as England reached the Gillette Four Nations final with a 20-12 success over New Zealand.

The Hull KR winger was recalled in place of Tom Briscoe and overcame an early error to help Tony Smith's men claim the scalp of the world champions at Huddersfield's Galpharm Stadium.

Fox's decision to fly out of the defensive line led to Bryson Goodwin's 15th-minute try in the corner for the Kiwis.

But he responded with two scores of his own in quick succession just before half-time to put England 18-6 up at the break.

"They threw everything at us and I thought we defended really well," Fox told Sky Sports.

"I'll hold my hand up for the first try - I shot out of the line and I shouldn't have - but I made up for that second half and I'm really looking forward to this week."

Fox was not an established name in the national team in the build-up to the tournament, and he admitted: "It's strange to play in these sort of games, it's what I want.

"We're a 24-man squad and we've all got to pull together if we're going to have any chance of winning this Four Nations, so it's keep your head down, train harder, and I'm glad to get the shot."

Brave

Ben Matulino's second-half score was not enough for the Kiwis to get back on terms and England captain Jamie Peacock hailed his troops' resilience.

Peacock said: "I thought the lads were brave tonight, that was what got us through.

"We knew it was always going to be a tough game, even at 18-6 you knew the Kiwis would come back into it and they did that, but we defended well and we've come away with the win."

Eastmond and fellow youngster Sam Tomkins excelled in the win, and Peacock continued: "They've been great, they've really added something and they've got no fear - it's been good for us the last couple of games."

Kevin Sinfield, who operated out of position at hooker and kicked four goals, earned the man-of-the-match award for an all-action display.

"I just want to do the best for the team, and then Robes (James Roby) can come on and have some impact like he did and we can go with a big pack," said the Leeds Rhinos skipper.

"It's a team, and there's a lot of togetherness now and that's how it should be.

"We did a lot of defending. I think this is a big step forward for us, and looking at next week, we need to improve again."

Kearney praise

New Zealand coach Stephen Kearney had praise for England and believes they can push Australia all the way in next Saturday's final.

"Full credit to the English side, I thought they were very good tonight," he said.

"They were certainly very physical through the middle.

"I've got to say we're very disappointed. We didn't put our best foot forward, but the English didn't allow us to do that. I thought they were wonderful.

"With their last 50 minutes against Australia and tonight, that will certainly put them in a good position next weekend."

Kiwis captain Benji Marshall said his players suffered from the interpretations of French referee Thierry Alibert.

"It was hard to make out his interpretation, but we're not going to make any excuse," he said. "They were good; we were bad."