England v New Zealand - Match 1 Rugby League 2015

In our last encounter on English soil, we battled. Our World Cup

final aspect. Gain that required speed, strength and stamina. In a

dose of southern hemisphere skills. We were on the brink, courtesy of an

old friend. Burgess! England have the lead. But never write the Kiwis

off. We played to the bitter end. Johnson! What a try! Shawn Johnson!

And now, he has a kick to win the game, to take his side into a World

Cup final. He has a kick to win the game, to take his side into a World

Cup final. He's nailed it! This time... Three games. Three battles.

We are ready. Sensational and heartbreaking in equal measure. That

is what Sam Burgess can do. That World Cup semifinal the last time

the two sides played in England. New Zealand arrive as the best team in

the world after winning the four Nations last year. Steve McNamara

suffered a big blow this week with news that Sam Tomkins will miss all

three games. We wanted Sam for this Test series, particularly this

match. It is a blow for the England team, but also for Sam himself. He

worked so hard. That it wasn't meant to be. You wanted to play down the

significance of winning this series, but a lot of your players want to

make this next step. How conscious are you of your players wanting to

go on and win? We all want to win Test matches. No doubt about that.

We have three more to go. Every time you play for England, you want to

win. It has been the case over the past three years. We've been a

little bit short. The players want to put that right this year. Good

luck. Thank you. Welcome to our coverage of this three Test series

between New Zealand and England. In a couple of weeks' time we will be

in Wigan. Then we will be in London's Olympic Stadium. The first

match gets under way here in Hull. Jon Wilkin is here, as is Brian

Noble and Robbie Hunter Paul. What do you want to see out of this

series from an England perspective? International Rugby League is all

about performances, results, and picking the best team possible to

get results. For me, it is never about development or about the

future. It is about the best side out there who can go and get

results. This Test series is crucial for England, to get results against

the best team in the world. In English sport, we are always ahead

for years! You never get there. You are wanting to put this in the

context of the bigger picture? Absolutely. If you look at the top

nations in the world, Australia and New Zealand, they are probably

getting ready for the four Nations. The Kiwis have a couple of injuries.

With an eye on the 2017 World Cup. That doesn't matter for England. For

our build-up for the World Cup, we need to get over the line in a Test

series. This is an extremely important three games. So

beleaguered players will watch the union side win the World Cup

yesterday. -- the league players. What will they want from this? They

will want to do just the same. There is something on social media where

they did watch the All Blacks play and when. The challenge is for them

to get an All Blacks weekend. The lights have dimmed to try to create

an atmosphere for the teams before the fans come out. If we look at

Steve McNamara. We talk about coaches and managers rather than

players. Does he have to deliver in this Test series, given his record

against the top two? Just one win in two games. It is about the squad of

people he has together, and the increased influence in NRL players

in the English league. That is good for us. Steve has the responsibility

of steering the ship at this moment in time. For the players, and their

confidence, they need to get over the line. I get frustrated with

English sport and our mentality towards the sport. We are unlucky

second place is far too often in sport. We get close but fall short.

One of our national teams has got to win something. This is a massive

opportunity for England to do that. This series is huge. Not just for

Rugby League, but for the country watching. I agree with John in

relation to expectation levels. We should expect this team to do well,

because it is a good team. When we look at teams around the half-backs

area, both young, naive half-backs partnerships in relation to senior

teams. I am sure they are quietly confident, but they will have to get

over the line and bring that belief. We have mentioned Sam Tomkins. We

have a good replacement in Zak Hardaker, the current man of steel.

But if Tomkins was fit, they could have experimented and tried hard

acre in Centre. Is it a missed opportunity with Tomkins out? If you

were to throw another dimensional into it, Sam Tomkins started his

career as a half-backs. The New Zealand captain will be thinking,

what are the combinations we need? Sam Tomkins at fullback is a strike

position. It is something every team would worry about. We can hear from

Zak Hardaker. John went down to Taunton. He is very keen to be on

strict Leigh, so he asked the producers to give it a Strictly

theme! It has been a fantastic year for the

Rhinos and myself. A few accolades along the way. I am really proud of

what I achieved. Where have you come from and where are you right now

that has enabled you to be the best player in our competition? Some of

the things I could've done two or three years ago, I knocked that on

the head and pushed it aside, and said look, I will concentrate on my

rugby. A few meetings with senior players at the club, and they had a

few words with me. At the start of the year, you struggled a little

bit. Definitely. The first four or five weeks, after every game, we had

talks about our positioning. I would argue. I thought I was right, he

thought he was right. There was just one game where I thought I had

played a blinder. It was just confidence. It is as classic a try

as you will see! Going into this Test series is a massive opportunity

for me. I have had a good year. Hopefully, I can achieve more with

England. I only have two caps, so to play against the number one team,

New Zealand, it will be 100% concentration, and giving it your

very best. It will be fascinating to see how he goes tonight. Over the

course of this Test series, let's focus on New Zealand, and hear from

their coach now. Stephen, you have come with a pretty inexperienced

squad because of injuries. What are you expecting from your side? It is

a big part of our game nowadays, and there is not a great wheel we can do

about that. Over the last couple of years, we have built up a culture

within our group, so everybody who pulls on a Kiwi jumper these days

has an expectation. I am sure that the lads today will do that. A lot

of inexperience in the hard for you. Has that been a big issue? No. Our

strength is in our forwards. They do a wonderful job. They will make the

lives of the halves easier. We have some pretty experienced guys at

fullback and dummy half. How Boyd up will you be?

Moments away from the teams coming out. They are inexperienced. They do

have some experience, though. The crucial point is the inexperience at

half-backs. That is one of the crucial things about this series.

They have come away with two half-backs who are inexperienced at

this level. This is an opportunity for one of the backs to set a real

challenge. Steve painted the picture properly. You have to remember that

we have Tuivasa-Sheck, one of the most devastating strikers in rugby

League. The defenders will have to be watching him. Throw a bit of

Englishness in. Zak Hardaker has had a wonderful season, and he will come

and play with Tuivasa-Sheck. It is the clash of two fantastic packs.

England's strength is through the centre of the field. The halves of

the back of that, if you're forwards play well on Rugby League, then the

half-backs's job is much easier. That will be the key in the context.

Are New Zealand a bit more undercooked than England, given

where their respective seasons have finished? I think the England team

has nine grand finalists. That would be a big advantage. That was a

couple of weeks ago. The Kiwis will be strong because they played a warm

up game against Leeds last week. For me, England will just edge it today.

We can see the players in the tunnel. I might see them -- struggle

to see them when they come out, because it is pitch black. What are

you struggling? Some fantastic players, Issac Luke and

Tuivasa-Sheck. But George Williams for me, a huge opportunity for him.

I am outnumbered three to one here, but I am going to bet on the Kiwis

here. Really quick through the middle. I is that loot is the one

you want to have a look at. We have got to be lightning there. There are

lights and spotlights everywhere. Shortly, we will join our commentary

team. That is after the anthems, which are on their way here.

Ladies and gentlemen, will you please be upstanding for the

# E Ihowa Atua tonight by Victoria Gray!

Ladies and gentlemen, please remain standing for the national anthem of

England, led by Victoria Ground and the chance community choir!

New Zealand are kings of one code, crowned in London yesterday, but it

is a nation of immense rugby talent. The men in Black today also

represent the world's best Rugby League side. England need to stand

up to the ultimate test over the next three weeks. But the

indications are that they can. We are going to have the lights dimmed

again in just a little. We are going to see the hacker. Two captain 's

leading New Zealand in this season dashed this series, Issac Luke and

Adam Blair. Sharing those responsibilities. They will lead

spine tingling hacker in what is already a spine tingling atmosphere.

We are celebrating Rugby League in this city of Hahn. I am not sure

they had shirts like this back in 1865, and very rarely in the 150

years since have we had an atmosphere quite like the one

tonight. It never fails to stun. They have a

few young bloods in that New Zealand side. They have some seasoned

Warriors as well. But likewise England. It is a case of black and

white tonight. The land of Hope and Glory is bursting out over the PA

system. In the absence of the injured Sam Tomkins, Hardaker is in

fullback. He has been outstanding in that position all year. No Sam

Burgess, but little brother Tom will come on at some point. Lots of star

quality in that England side. New Zealand are missing some established

star quality because of injuries, but Roger Tuivasa-Sheck has taken

New Zealand by storm this season. Young Kodi Nikorima can come off the

bench and light up the pitch at any point. That is to mention just two

of them. We have video referees as well. The last two games between

these two sides have seen a last second World Cup semifinal win for

New Zealand and a dramatic late Four Nations win. There are some New

Zealand players who are still twitching at the lost opportunities.

Here, the England players have the chance to get the job done. I have a

Welshman and an Englishman alongside me. Jonathan Davies, the Welshman,

first of all. Rugby is all about results. For me, they have created

opportunities but they have not had the cutting edge behind. With the

English backline, the should have been rectified now. Try scorers week

in, week out in the Super League. New Zealand, especially in the

half-backs, I think England start as favourites. A tremendous talent in

the New Zealand ranks. Tremendous work there for England with that

defensive set, which has allowed them to start this the halfway after

three tackles. 188 caps for New Zealand against England's 154. They

are out there, they've got the T-shirt, and it is time for England

to earn the T-shirt. You can bet that John has spent many hours

checking those figures! Kallum Watkins has not been mentioned in

the build-up, who could be an absolute star in this series. It is

Nightingale who runs away with it. That is what England have got to do.

They have got to complete their sets. Not panic, keep the compote.

Just going through the early motions here. The softening up. Forwards

tried to establish some kind of foothold.

Isaac Luke at dummy half. He is an absolute star performer. He is

pivotal to that New Zealand effort. Here is the kick from Peta Hiku. He

was a fullback last time England played against New Zealand. But a

stand-off tonight. Burgess, the same name but a different clan. No

relation to the famous Burgess brothers. The New Zealand team will

be happy because that was a pretty good kick. It found the space, and

it is making England work from their own line. Elliott Whitehead, another

who is Australia-bound next season. Going to Canberra. Quick feet.

England have been dubbing themselves the Wall of white. It was there in a

very straight line. You are not going to score every time. You have

to build pressure, have a bit of patience. The first 20 minutes will

be very physical. When the opportunity comes, from either

brilliant play or a mistake, that's when you have to seize it. Proctor

has been a 1 club player throughout his career, with Melbourne Storm.

Had plenty of success with that club throughout beginners.

New Zealand press and probe. This is where they are dangerous, the

off-loading game. The quick feet of Tuivasa-Sheck.

That was an important piece of play by Ryan Hall, the wing man. It had

to get back in the field of play. You sense that the Kiwis are now

upping the ante a bit in defence. The Kiwis came about 70 metres

there. Graham has been wowing it in Australia for the past few years.

Arguably the best prop forward in the world at the moment.

Bateman is a makeshift centre. He has played in that position a lot

for Wigan this year. But he is more comfortable in the second row.

Nightingale got the latest away. You have to wrap those off-loads up.

That's where those boys are really, really dangerous. They made about 20

yards there with those off-loads. Really driven England back. England

are committing numbers into tackles. One of the ways of diffusing that is

by off-loading. If you are chucking numbers in, they have two wrap it

up. If you are chucking numbers in and the float comes you are short. A

chance for Harris to run for the line and scored the opening try of

the series! He -- it has taken New Zealand six minutes. Harris, who

famously missed out on the World Cup trip here a couple of years ago

because Williams made himself available again. Very, very

clinical. There's the off-load. Nightingale takes it in. Another

off-load. That buys field position. Some lovely shape work. The

half-backs went right to the line. Off-loaded to Harris. Despite

Hardaker's best attempt, he managed to ground the ball. They got the

numbers wrong. Williams was called in. He ran into a very, very big

hole. They will not be happy with that very simple play. They got the

numbers wrong and paid the price. A very, very good start for the Kiwis.

The crowd seemed a bit nervous in the opening minutes. It has just

been silenced. Issac Luke has the chance to add the two. He was one of

the players who survived from the 2008 World Cup winning side. Issac

Luke has been a star performer for some years now, but he was not a

star with that kick. Wide by some distance.

It's nothing, really. Just round the back. It was a short ball. They

numbered off wrongly. They read very well executed. I like the way they

played that play at the line, which obviously engages and interests the

defenders, and makes them make decisions. Unfortunately for

England, they made the wrong decisions in that instance. First

blood to New Zealand, then. England are looking to hold a bit of

ground here, to try to get that ball back and put some pressure on inside

the New Zealand half if they can. Stephen Keeling, with his staff

there. You listen a lot to the New Zealand talk, about culture, legacy

and respect for the jersey when they represent their country. The

youngsters have too performed to that, and attain the levels that

people have previously. That's very important. As a New Zealand team,

you will be very happy there, when you receive the kick off from

England's first tackle, to be ten metres from their own goal-line.

He looks like a prop and runs with the power of a prop, but he's a

winner. Whitehead threatens to make a

telling break. Hodgson now at dummy half, Williams on his inside.

It was read superbly well. You don't want to get on the end of those long

passes. Hoisted high. Knocked back. It's into Kiwi hands. Here is danger

again, the break is on, the cover across. Hardaker does well at

full-back. Great tackle, lovely break, good play by England and New

Zealand there. New Zealand find themselves 30 yards

away again. It is Harris who will drive it in. But England have work

to do. Making easy yards, the New Zealand forwards, at the moment.

Playing outstanding at the minute. Pretty much error-free, but still

ball movements within the set. The referee had shouted... Had it

got over there, it wouldn't have counted anyway. Momentum after the

event. A kick into the in-goal area, Burgess watches it away. If be a tap

on the 20. The line speed has increased, they are passive at the

moment, England. Easy yardage from the Kiwis. That is a great, great

hit. Here comes Hall. You can hear the anticipation from the England

supporters as he came across. Bateman down the middle. Good to see

the three from England getting in there and taking some weight of the

forwards. It's developing into a decent set from England, they find

themselves inside New Zealand territory, still three tackles to

come. New Zealand have it back again. You

will see that tactic employed a great deal because Ryan Hall is an

exceptional wing man at claiming the high ball. It stands to reason if

you've got somebody who does that, as coach McNamara will have

indicated, but the ball up there, make it a contest time after time.

The float has gone forward. -- the float. Forced the error, again for

the off-loaded. The first attacking opportunity for England. -- for the

off-load. That is a ridiculous off-load, paid the price for it, now

England have to capitalise on it. The first real attacking situation

for them, about 30 metres out. Jimmy Tupou right of McNamara. Paul

Wellens is part of the coaching staff as well. He has a lot of

experience talents. -- Jimmy, right of McNamara.

Four tackles still to come, England get a penalty, make it six tackles

still to come. Unless they choose to kick for goal here. A conversation

going on... They built up this, it's the first time they've been on the

New Zealand line. England need to build pressure. They haven't tested

the New Zealand defensive line yet, now it's a good opportunity.

Great tackle again. Right into him, didn't he? He's had two pickets

already, hasn't he? Is spotting has been brilliantly so far. Hill is put

down. Less than ten away. Hodgson with a short flat wanted O'Loughlin.

Still got tackles in the bag, a couple still to come. The bruising

shoulders were waiting and the ball has gone to ground forward, a lost

opportunity from England's point of view. Was it Luke with the head? I

think it was. It's all about composure. They need to organise, in

this position the half-backs and full-back need to organise and

coordinate, too many players running one man up. Exactly right, but what

tremendous defence. Tremendous tackles from the New Zealand.

They've let New Zealand off the hook when the pressure seems to be

building. He produced that magic in the semifinal at Wembley when the

ball seemed to be going out of play. England need a bit of pressure in it

here. Throw the ball in behind the in goal, get a repeat steps to build

the pressure, make them tackle in their own 20 metre area. Luke

wandering into dummy half. That's right hand side, the step is

dangerous again. He looks a very comfortable player on the ball,

Lolohea. An England touch. Back to one, New Zealand will risk their arm

and test the defence again. Out of dummy half goes Bromwich.

Very comfortable with ball in hand, the half-backs, the young

half-backs, very comfortable. Here is Tuivasa-Sheck. And it is Sam Moa

who is somehow brushed away. Brushes away the England resistance and

touches down by the side of the sticks, a second New Zealand try and

what a pole. They are making. It's the coach was my decision, do you go

for the charge down or not? England have practised it, but it didn't

work for them that time, it came to the New Zealanders. They retained

composure. Tuivasa-Sheck attracts defenders because of his footwork,

but just a little off-loaded to Sam Moa to cross into the... Tremendous

try. Tuivasa-Sheck is known as a runner, but he stepped in like a

stand-off, takes the ball to the line, attracts defenders, a late run

from Sam Moa. He breezes under the posts. I thought the defences were

passive. Standing off, you can't allow these players to come at you

with tricky feat, then the supporting runners. Yes, is that

Luke. He shouldn't miss this one and he doesn't. -- Issac Luke. They were

fortunate on the ricochet. He'll be very happy, the ricochet, they got

back. They off-loaded. Look at this, you've got to get off the line very

quickly, unfortunately... He just runs at O'Loughlin, Farrell doesn't

step in, it's an easy hold for Sam Moa. A good finish. Again, off-loads

when the opportunity came. A very sluggish start by England here, is

it sluggish by England or is it not playing due deference to the way New

Zealand have started? We are not failing due deference to the way

that New Zealand started. It was as if they were turning up as bit part

players before the game started, it's a quality team, world

champions, they are demonstrating exactly why. I think Hiku and

Lolohea are controlling the game at the moment. You've got Issac Luke

stepping in. It's a bit of both. They've started, they are making

good yardage, I don't think the intensity is there from England. At

the start of a home Test match series. They should be smashing into

these Kiwis. It's the other way around at the moment. Trying to get

momentum in England and get the crowd going, because they haven't

gone yet. Watkins showing his fine

athleticism. 40 yards away from the New Zealand line, O'Loughlin driving

it forward again. It wasn't about structure, it was about playing

quick, pushing up. I'd like to see more of that. Hill hammers in, get

it away to Williams. It is play on! Hodgson claims the

try. Now the critical factor here is, did it hit the legs of Hardaker

or the arms of Hardaker? If it's the legs, we're fine, if it's the

arms... He thinks he's knocked it back. That's here from the video

referee we've got two today. Make sure. There's a knock-on

against England. Big sure he's not touched by New Zealand, please. We

are looking for a knock-on, possibly by England.

Off-loaded backwards. Just need to see that one again, does it come off

his knee? Does it come off the knee of Hardaker?

OK, we've got it off any of Hardaker. We've got a knock-on at

this moment in time from New Zealand, so we've got play on from

this moment in time. We need to see the grounding first.

That's a try, that's a try. It's a little slice of fortune that England

desperately needed. It looks like it's going to go England's way here.

The means of Hardaker, the hands of Hodgson, between them they've given

England a foothold back in the game. For England ten for New Zealand. --

four for England. Ten for New Zealand. They've had the fortune in

this instance. No doubt in my mind it came of Hardaker's me.

Consequently, it was play on. And there is a try. And here comes a

conversion. Yeah, it's clearly come of Hardaker's me, play on. Hodgson

picks it up. The Kiwis stopped playing. An easy try, but the right

decision. No video referee, no cry, the referee on the field thought it

was a knock-on. Thank heavens for technology on that occasion. -- note

video referee no try. England right back in the game, England 6-10 New

Zealand. Lovely pass from George Williams to Elliott Whitehead,

trying to get the off-loaded away, Hardaker signals to the referee, he

was confident it came off his knee, the pictures showed that, Hodgson

scores. You see the two experienced players, the Kiwi players, going to

the referee. In any sport, as a schoolboy, you play the revelry's

whistle. That was it, they both turned, the referee... They've gone

for the short restart. England got it back. Another bit of fortune,

maybe the tide is changing from black to white here.

What does it do for confidence in terms of the England players? The

Kiwis had been the best team to that point. You sense that England lads

are getting at ease with the speed and intensity of the game, they

really are building. They are certainly coming on the ball a lot

harder after that try. They had a warm up test last week against

France, which they absolutely devoured, the French. It was no test

at all. New Zealand a pretty similar team to what we're watching today.

Up against a side that gave them a real battle. Maybe that has given

the Kiwis a bit of an edge. And court England cold. England having

to ram themselves up to this level of opposition again. I think Kallum

Watkins is a very good battle. New Zealand looking to bring it clear.

Having suffered that little setback. It Issac Luke at dummy half. Sam Moa

will drive it on again towards the halfway line. Luke on a spinning

away. Away by Lolohea. Trapped by Hardaker. Elected by Hall. England

beyond the 20 metre mark again. -- collected by Hall. Let's hear from

Earl Crabtree on the touchline. I've been studying the forward battle.

It's obvious the Kiwis are challenging there, challenging the

big boys from the England team. They've looked really good.

Offensively, England have, but they scare me with the line speed, the

intensity isn't there, it needs to be sharper. Ben Matulino has come on

for the Kiwis. Here is Bateman. He catches and is tackled. A

significant interchange is James Roby, he'll attempt to speed the

play-the-ball up for the England side. Josh Hodgson took a bang. The

quick, little short restart. He went down the ground, he got injured in

that incident. We've got some information on that injury from an

year. Josh Hodgson took a knock to his left chimp he's been taken to

the dressing room to be assessed by the doctor. -- injury update from

Tanya. An off-load has gone backwards, England got a hand to it.

New Zealand have another six tackles. Looking at the game plan,

I've no doubt off-loads will have featured pretty prominently. They

are trying everything, any time they can get an off-load.

New Zealand 30 yards away. Great tackle from James Roby, any lady

defending and he was true. New Zealand threatening again. Pushing

at the line. Tap out. Standing to the left of the ruck here, he'll

take the pass and hammer it forward. England defenders are drawn to him.

New Zealand have one last chance... The final tackle, O'Loughlin judged

to have stolen the ball. Just done all that work defensively. It's the

same as when I penalised them,". Mr Taylor is exactly right there. New

Zealand looked as if they will take the two points available, it's a

guinea, that one, under the posts. It's a killer, last tackle. -- that

is a gimme. They will say, let's settle its down, England have come

back at us but we have an opportunity of two points. We'll

take it. Interesting what Earl said about the forwards taking it up the

middle. An inexperienced half-backs and Hiku and Lolohea. They can't

bring the youngsters into the game and be on the back foot. They are

laying the platform. They've stepped up to the plate. Isaac Luke looking

to give New Zealand the advantage here. England 6-12 New Zealand.

Stephen Tierney looking down from his lofty eerie. -- Stephen Kearney

looking down. They wanted the England crowd to play its part, it's

not the tub thumping atmosphere you would hope for. The balloon has

deflated with the first 20 minutes, we got excited. They've done their

best, the Kiwis, to deflate the atmosphere. They've succeeded. When

you go away from home, that's what you've got to do, get early tries,

couple of big hits in, that's what they've done. The crowd has gone a

little bit quiet. This is where the crowd needs to get up now. The ball

has gone to ground, the referee says, play on. Luke is able to motor

a couple of yards further downfield. Martin Taupau wheel drive it in

again. He's been playing for Manly Sea Eagles. A bit of embarrassment

about his contract being e-mailed to the wrong person, who let the news

out on Twitter. They failed to keep it under wraps. Hardaker is a cross

safely to watch it out of play, didn't need a touch. Joe Burgess

earlier had done really well with a similar kick. That is the element of

composure. It gained him 20 metres straightaway for the tap. They can't

give him the space, he's not going to go, great hit! James Graham sized

up, still got the ball away. Here comes Bateman down the middle. Might

have been a big shoulder. Stopped England momentarily, snatched

another eight yards or so. This is Williams. He has the skill, given

the opportunity. Cooper will drive it in. The front row of England have

been replaced, let's see what impact it can have on the game. O'Loughlin

goes left, widow on the inside. Williams searching on the right

side, Kallum Watkins ghosts past. Fix it back to Williams. Williams

heads back towards the centre. Wrapped up by that black blanket of

defence. This is the final tackle. It is Ferres, delicate flick towards

Joe Burgess will stop knock-on by England. I would like to see

Williams and Widdop on the last tackle take control. They've got to

bring the expertise into it. Whether it is directing play or putting a

little kick in, high kick. Slightly disorganised there. I would have

preferred once again a test for Kenny-Dowall, saying, can you catch

it when Ryan Hall is hunting you down? 19 Gayle, the winger, who has

haunted England many a time over the past few years. -- Nightingale, the

winger. Nightingale with all his experience didn't find his feet to

play-the-ball. England get a bonus here. Is this fair enough? Playing

it. On all fours, the referee says. I think it's an unlucky call. I

agree with you. He wasn't on the ground, he played the ball. It

looked perfectly legal to me. So, England with a platform, led by Tom

Burgess. He scored a try with extraordinary strength against the

French last week. Roby out of dummy half. Back to Hardaker! He lost it.

Couple of knock ones in there. Early in the tackle you have to build the

pressure. Some people may see this as poetic justice, certainly plenty

of pressure from the defence of New Zealand, coming abandoned, really

putting the ball receiver under pressure. You expect a whack, from

what we've seen early in the game, when he's coming in. He hasn't

missed so far come he comes in looking for the hit. Kiwi fit very

close to their own line, England defence looking to step it up. Kiwis

will be looking for those off-loads to break things down. New Zealand is

need to get some field position back. The big captain -- they've

been captain in their own half. Plundering down the left-hand side.

Nightingale is getting very involved at this end. I think they've been

told, keep up the jumper this time. Again, you cannot do that. That was

on the fourth tackle, I think, defended very well, if they'd

returned the ball and got into the Kiwi half... They get messy in the

tackle, it is Farrell and O'Loughlin. They are going to put

themselves under pressure. It's just a piggyback, easy for them. They

virtually had a full set, get a penalty, and start a second set on

the halfway line. Here comes Harris. From the point of view of Steve

McNamara, it's been a disappointing performance by England in the

opening 31 minutes. The fact they are only trailing by 12-6 will be

some consolation. There is a silver line. England still very much in the

game. Luke, looks one-way, passes the other. They look a lot more

threatening when they are attacking. He had to do the job of two men to

make sure the overlap wasn't used. We've seen his footwork, now his

float, Tuivasa-Sheck. Tremendous. Now it comes to Luke with the

bicycle kick and the inside pass. Harris unloads again. The England

defence being tested again. They are dealing with it, just, at the

moment. Luke away with a very good kick to the in-goal area, which

forces James Roby to defuse. That's the difference so far, whether it is

one of the half-backs, the hooker, as Robbie said before the game, I

tell you what, Tuivasa-Sheck, he's a player you have to watch all the

time. His quick feet, his off-loading, he has a great pace

about him. He's the dynamo of rugby league, he is, he's a magician. Well

you going with this? It's another line he's been working on. He's been

googling all day. We saw steam is coming out of his ears, we thought

he was just counting the caps he got. The drop tickles the touchline,

doesn't quite get there. New Zealand is that themselves in a decent

position. Five tackles to have a go at this England line. England

resetting themselves in defence. Luke collect and goes left. Back to

Tuivasa-Sheck, who doesn't need to stop. He just went through the gap.

Off-loads. They might have a try here. Might have a try. They're

looking for the obstruction. Dynamo has conjured up a trick. If this

isn't an obstruction, it's a third New Zealand try, let's hear from the

video referee. Two Leeds Rhinos... Gretchen Agro two lead

-- two lead runners. Can we see it from behind, please? We've got two

lead runners here, George Williams can't get across. Clear obstruction,

no try, penalty to England. They'll be disappointed when they look at

that screen, they are pretty sure they've got a try. Look at that

reaction. That is a nonsensical decision. What are you going to do?

Drop on the floor and get out of the way of the defender? It's a

ludicrous decision, John, this game now... You'll have to disappear. The

only one who should disappear is DTM oh, the video referee. Needed to run

on the inside shoulder. -- the TMO. It was well, well deep was

Tuivasa-Sheck as he received it, that the other factor they needed to

consider. He had time to go inside or outside the defensive line, got

his angles wrong, didn't get in the way. New Zealand were very

unfortunate for that try to be given. It's all about talking point

in this game, there is another one. If you are wondering what you'll be

talking about on the red button, that is one of them, on the red

button forum after the game. Here comes a chance for Brett Ferres.

Underneath the sticks. No doubts about that one. England get a lucky

let off. At the other end, they take advantage. Brett Ferres the score.

There could be 11 in a moment. That's a 12 point turnaround, that

decision is now a 12 point turnaround, they are doing very

well. They just switch off. I think it's... Hiku, isn't it, who drifts

across? Tremendous work, George Williams right to the line. It

interests Harris, and a lovely, soft pass to Ferres, whose orders over,

virtually, underneath the post for a really well worked try. I'm with

you, Jonathan, it's a 12 point turnaround. A great angle by Ferres,

though. He was ball watching a little bit, he went right. When

Ferres came... A lovely, lovely angle.

So Gareth Widdop, to give us a situation that we haven't had from

the six minute. Over it goes. It is all square. 12 points apiece.

England not just clinging on here. They are in parity. Steve McNamara

will certainly be happy with that. It was a money ball there from

Williams. Great line, great timing, great angle of the line from the

second row are there. McNamara will be delighted, because he will feel

that they have underperformed, but they are level on the scoreboard.

Coaches like to talk about performances, but fans are only

bothered by the win and lose columns. There will be a lot happier

England fans in the KC Stadium right now than there was about three

minutes ago, when it looked like England where going two scores

behind. How does this fuel confidence?

Robi is out of dummy half. That's what he's good at.

That's it. Play quick and push! Farrell for the line. Just had his

ankles taken away. Great play by Widdop and Williams. Taking the ball

to the line. Good support play. Very, very unlucky. Great tackle to

thwart Farrell. England are finishing the half on top here. And

the crowd are finding their voice. To Barca Scheck showing that he can

make good tackles. Some of these eager New Zealand forwards now are

being left on the ground. That is what England need to do more off,

pick up from dummy half and take it. Good play by the English half-backs.

Liam Farrell nearly came up with the second try. Was that and

obstruction? You never know these days. I don't know where I am with

it! John Bateman has a real tenacity about him. Might lack the subtle

skills of Kallum Watkins in the other centre's position, but what he

lacks in skills he makes up for in sheer determination.

They have numbers over on the left. Widdop puts a kick downfield. That

is intelligent play. Finds touch. Puts New Zealand on the back foot

again. Would up and Williams have played well the last ten minutes.

That's what this man will be wanting from them. I think England can feel

very confident after this. They were rocking. They fought their way back

in. Their finishing is stronger. I am sure they will feel they can play

better the second half than they have in the first. We will see

better halves in this series. It hasn't been a classic half by any

stretch of the imagination. Both sides have taken their

opportunities. New Zealand are having to dig deep

again. The great off-load again keeps them

going, keeps them rolling. England have two respond likewise in

defence. Young Kodi Nikorima, with the

Brisbane Broncos, flies out at dummy half again. Taupau is 15 yards away

with one tackle to go. England's defence holds up well.

Half-time. The hooter sounds. 40 minutes. It has been scrappy at

times. England have had some good play, but maybe one or two referee

decisions, but they are still in the game, without any shadow of the

doubt. New Zealand will be asking a few questions of themselves and of

others at half-time. Let's hear from James Graham now. James, do you feel

a bit fortunate to be tied at half-time? Both teams are working

hard. The decision went in our favour and became up with the try at

the other end. Looking forward to the second half. You need to tie up

those off-loads. Yes, that second one stopped them getting the late

off-load. James, thank you. James Graham going into the dressing room

for the half-time team talk. 12-12. When you take a look at some of

those match stats... England have had a bit more territory. Only one

more off-load for England than New Zealand. The set completion is a

difference of 3% as well. Yet at times, it has felt like England are

playing second fiddle. They started became slowly, especially

defensively and in their kicking game. There was a lack of

communication between players. They haven't kicked as well as they

wanted to do at the start of the game. I thought the kicks lacked

aim, purpose and a determined chase. It took the law while to get into

the game. They got more confident as they grew into the game. Two port

kicks. England are trying to kick away from Tuivasa-Sheck, which is

sensible. But a couple of kicks didn't get the right field

position, nor the right end result. That leads to built pressure on the

England side. If you give the Kiwis broken field and give them the

ability to have the ball in the right part of the field, they create

opportunities. Off the back of this, you see the Harris tried. All

forwards in rugby League need to be able to pass the ball. We get big

Moa, which makes Elliott Whitehead become interested. Williams decides

to come in to make the tackle, and that is the gap that Harris runs

into. Kallum Watkins cannot come in to make the tackle. That is the try.

New Zealand built pressure through the kicks. A fantastic piece of

play. When you are analysing that, you are talking literally a matter

of metres. You are talking a matter of millimetres, a matter of body

weight. As soon as your body weight goes to a certain point, you are

out. You are talking merely seconds. That play is designed to make a

defender turn in and become interested enough to commit himself

to make a tackle. Whitehead did that, Watkins followed him. That is

why the try scored. That is why I'm talking about communication. They

are a new team. It is the end of a long season and there are new

combinations in there. Robbie was complaining about the line speed not

going forward, and that comes with confidence, speaking to each other

and nominating which players you have. The second try for New

Zealand. Came off a break. Charged down on play five. This was a bit of

fortune, I felt. The kick charged down. Good pressure from Chris

Hill, that created an opportunity. This is where England are dangerous.

Once they get -- where New Zealand are dangerous. Once they get a

session in the England half, they are dangerous. We have highlighted

Liam Farrell. Has to come in and take Moa. Between the three of

them, Sean O'Loughlin and Liam Farrell, Moa picks his whole. He is

a great runner and very hard to stop. But a bit of communication

there, and who is going to pick out Moa. In the commentary they made the

point that the Kiwi forwards have made sure there is a platform for

the inexperienced half-backs to work with. They have done exactly that.

They have punched holes in the England defence. England had to get

up to speed with it. You saw them finish the stronger out of the two

teams, New Zealand, and they had to do that if they were going to give

Lolohea yak and he to time to respond. New Zealand were at Test

match intensity for the first ten minutes. England took awhile to get

there. And they needed a bit of luck, albeit the right decisions.

This will be a consistent feature of the second half, big men able to

pass the ball. England need to challenge New Zealand on the

inside. You get tired, lazy defenders, with guys who are

overworking. England played on there. Hodgson react, and scores a

try. A moment of luck. It is a half-backs dream here. Moa was on

his inside and couldn't make that space. A half-backs's dream is to

get defenders moving so they can pick holes out of that. Looking at

Harris and Peta Hiku. Peta Hiku is used to defending on the edge and

not in the middle of the park. There was a bit of disjoint between him

and Harris. The way England are kicking, they are trying to avoid

kicking the ball to him. James Graham said they have to work on

stopping the off-loads. We are seeing an unnatural kicking game

from England. Every time Tuivasa-Sheck runs with the ball, he

asks questions of the defence. Generally, the first defender is

missing him. You have to get him -- to him in numbers and he draws

players to him. He was able to promote the ball to Moa when he's

caught that second try. No try here. It was unfortunate. It shows his

ability to run with the ball, and use skills to really deceive Kallum

Watkins. I thought that was an lucky not to be a try. I thought Watkins

had the opportunity to make the tackle and stop it, but he chose not

to. He is relying on George Williams to make that lay on his inside

shoulder. In fairness to the video referee, he got that right. George

Williams was impeded. The rule goes you either have to pull up short of

the line or you have to go through the line to the defender. If Kallum

Watkins attempts to make that tackle and misses it, and it is a try, it

is given as a try. Another question about Tuivasa-Sheck. I understand

how you are meant to stop off-loads, but when a bloke is popping out from

all angles, how do you stop that? Firstly, it is footwork. He gives

himself the ability to make a defender get into a wrong position.

His centre of the gravity is low, he is strong, and he holds the ball

like that which means he can get out and all over the place. There's not

many players in World Rugby who can change direction and not lose

speed. He is one of those. It was a massive swing, because as soon as

that was disallowed, they went down the other end. That is potentially a

huge turning point in the game. Williams gets the ball. There is

cut. A beautiful line. Peta Hiku. He took one step out and, rang. There

is punches his inside shoulder and scores the try. The play is designed

to isolate the third defender, Peta Hiku, who is not different -- used

to defending in that position. When there are three players around you,

you have to make that decision. You have to make it on the guy who is

leading in front of you. Harrison dealt with the half-backs in front

of him. You have to give Brett Ferres some credit there, because

his timing to go through the whole was exceptional. We will now go from

Hull to Kilimanjaro. Not a line you get to say very often! A group of

former players and Rugby League supporters have been to climb the

rug -- the mountain in aid of the Steve Prescott foundation. Not only

did they climb it but they played a rugby game on top of it as well!

38 Rugby League players and supporters of the Steve Prescott

Foundation head up Kilimanjaro to play the highest ever game, in

memory of the player who died two years ago. It isn't easy, but it is

an opportunity to test ourselves. Knowing what Steve was like, because

for the last seven or eight years of his life, he pushed his body to the

limits. It is just a shame, knowing that he will not be able to do this.

That he can't be here. Because he would be leading the pack. I thought

it would be tough. I am used to tough things. But I am all over the

place. I am trying not to cry. As soon as you are a bit down, because

someone at you have lost, and that will spur you one. If you can't dig

of anything else, think of Steve Prescott. What that man achieved, we

can't even come close to. Finally, Gilman 's point. On the rim of the

crater of Kilimanjaro, 5685 metres above sea level, just below the

summit. For Adrian Morley, this achievement marks the end of a 20

year playing career. We are that high up now, the air is so thin,

everything is very laboured and it is very hard to get your breath. We

got through it. We managed to get there. It was quite emotional at the

end. There was people really, really pleased to have made it. A few

tears, a few hugs. Really pleased everyone got through it. After a

night in the crater of Kilimanjaro, we are getting ready for the match.

A full, measured, marked out pitch with inflatable posts, in a bid for

the world record for the highest ever game of Rugby League. Freezing

cold, and to add to that, out at sickness. Apart from that, we are

all OK. When will we have the chance to do this again? Job done. And so

for the last push to the summit. We've made it. The highest point in

Africa. There's been some dark, dark times. It is the hardest thing I

have ever done. I pride myself on being a fit, physical lad, but the

altitude played havoc with me. They took me down on the stretcher,

which, being a proud mail, I didn't want to. Getting to the top was

easily the toughest thing I've ever done. My body is tired, but my heart

is full. I feel very enriched for it. A sensational effort by all

involved, and a sensational effort by the Rugby League community, who

came together and raise over ?100,000 for the Steve Prescott

Foundation, in sponsoring everybody who did that trip. You do have to

fear for the local guide who had to wheel Adrian Morley down in a

wheelbarrow! It took about 18 of them! He is that heavy. Back to this

game. When the teams are coming out, you said that the second half

would be all about the off-loads. I think England troubled New Zealand

when they started to play with a bit more off-loads. There is an old

coaching adage, what you are good at is difficult to handle. I think

England will get New Zealand at their own game. New Zealand will

continue to trouble England after defending their own line. Two things

for me, kick better and more off-loads. With the tough games they

have played, I would expect England to finish stronger, but only if they

controlled the ball and control Tuivasa-Sheck and Issac Luke. I

think England are more fluid than New Zealand, that New Zealand have a

bit more game time, 1.5 games under their belt. You can get in touch

with us on Twitter. On full-time, we will discuss the Sam Burgess

situation. There wasn't enough time at half-time to discuss that.

Jonathan Davies and John Keel will join John, Bryant and Robbie to talk

about that. COMMENTATOR: Thank you very much.

This is a stadium that England have liked over the years, especially

against New Zealand. Their last win against New Zealand was here in

2011. Great written's biggest ever win before it was restyled England

in rugby League terms. That was against New Zealand here as well.

44-0 that day. It is a very different team here that England are

up against. They have grown and grown in stature over the last few

years, to the point where they are the top of the Rugby League table.

They have dispossessed Australia of the title of the top team over the

last year or so. England are hanging in there. Not the prettiest of first

halves. Not the most effective performances by England in that

first half. Steve McNamara will be delighted. England have got the

Kiwis on the back foot. That is allowing George Williams to have a

look at him. Look where they are playing the ball on tackle five.

That is a great set from the first kick-off for England.

I would like to see Williams taking the ball on the line. That is what

he has done for Wigan all year. A disgruntled. When he has done that,

on the last tackle, you expect your partner, the hooker, to put the kick

in. Williams had one or two moments of inconsistency earlier in the

year. But the Wigan coach stuck with him and had faith in him, and that

faith was repaid. He never thought he would be in this position at the

start of the season. He has worked extremely hard.

Cooper, his days at St George-Illawarra. What an off-loads

from Tom Burgess. Bateman is ripped up and put down. England again

advancing with menace. I thought Williams was in again. I

thought he was over. A great start for England, this really has been.

They started very brightly with a load of intent. I have been

particularly impressed with the start from Tom Burgess. A much

better start to the second half than the first, from England's point of

view. Down to the try-line. Steve McNamara has asked his side to start

the second half the way they finished the first, sharpen up the

passing and have men in support, and speed up generally across the game.

New Zealand, the message was a simpler. He was happy with them, but

said we needed to toughen up in defence.

Watkins really challenged with that tackle. He has earned his team a

scrum 40 metres from the New Zealand line. I would like to see him trying

to isolate him one-on-one with his opposite number. Watkins is such a

brilliant runner. At some stage it will happen, and we will all be

excited. A match at the Olympic Stadium next Saturday. Then at

Wigan's DW Stadium, which might be a decider.

He is dragged back, under fairly, and the referee says penalty against

Matulino. 12-12 in a Test match, nose in front. It isn't often in a

Rugby League game that a cheer goes up because he elects to kick a

penalty. It will be the first time England goes ahead, should it be

successful, and it puts doubt into the New Zealand team. Pretty good

work from Cooper there. Really asking questions with his aggression

and his desire in that collision. That's what's and this penalty. It

is up to Gareth Widdop to convert it. Who would have thought, when we

were waiting for the video referee's decision on Kahu's try,

that five minutes into the second half, England would have the chance

to take the lead in this match. England take the lead. 14-12. For

that very first time tonight. Coach Steve McNamara's request has been

answered by the England team. The first five minutes after half-time

have certainly been in England's favour. That is why they have gone

ahead on the scoreboard. Maintain it - that will be the request now. Tom

Burgess isn't that much smaller than Sam, isn't he? They don't do small

in that family. Twin brother George not in this series because of

injury. It is a far better start to the

second half than the first half. The kicking game is a lot better. A

clever kick from Rob E. They are going to take the tap here.

Earl Crabtree, what do you make of this so far? For me, this is a

different England team. The intensity has already lifted up.

They need to stop these off-loads. Great play by New Zealand. If

England are to do anything, they need to remain in tents, and get in

their faces in this second half. Plenty of encouragement from

England's point of view. But New Zealand will have a response, no

doubt. The pass from Kenny-Dowall looked to

go forwards. I think the rectory has agreed. -- the referee. No doubt

about that. It was an American football pass, that one!

It's not 40-20, but still an excellent kick, because the Kiwis

will have to start ten yards from their own line. The perfect kick,

it's away from Tuivasa-Sheck, the threat is dealt with. Throws it over

the sideline, England can then walk to the scrum, get a defensive line

set and get off the line and attempt to wallop the Kiwis. Force the

error, that's where they need deeply in this area, they've really

dominated the nine minutes so far, the forwards have taken the ball up,

kicking has been good, more control from the half marks. I'm aching

familiarity from the England point of view. England fans will be

developing a little knot in their hammock.

-- not in their stomach. Not much difference between the sides, there

hasn't been. They've just got it over the line, the Kiwis, on the

last few occasions. Luke picks up and looks to the right-hand side of

the Kiwis, rolling forward again. He's a young player to out for. Sio

Siua Takeiaho has had a cracking season with the Sydney Roosters. Who

just lost the ball? No excuse for that. He'll be very disappointed

with that. He understands that, put his hands up, great off-load. His

right knee came in touch with the ball as he carries it. Carrying the

ball, thinking about what his options are, his neat hits the ball

and it let England off the hook. England need to maintain this

pressure. But then in the corner and build pressure. -- put them in the

corner. I don't think the front row were in contact... Doesn't matter.

It's like having a seventh forward on the field. Ferres the try scorer

in that first half. James Roby. Tom Burgess down the middle, every

time he takes on that line, he really test them, to the point when

Sam Moa gives the penalty away. Do they go for two from here? I would.

I'd put it in the corner, have a go for four. The game is so close

between these sides, any chance you have, take them. A slight question

over New Zealand's goal-kicking game. An 8-point lead would be

valuable. If England can convert this next five tackles into a try.

What a platform. There he is again. If you are going

to come down my channel, I'm going to smash you. Bateman trying to get

over through brute force, brute force winds out. From the defensive

point of view, he's tackled out of play. -- brute force winds out.

Tremendous note. You have to write a note, don't run, know where he is.

He comes up out of the line very quickly, cuts off the pass, no

option, then he smashes you. He's going to have sore shoulders in the

morning, he really will. That's, you know, I felt they should have gone

to build the pressure. Perhaps when you see the outcome, they'd have

been better doing what you said, Jonathan. I think it's a wonderful

thing, I really do. In hindsight, you'd have made so many different

decisions. New Zealand rolling it forward again. But England's

defensive duty is to keep them pinned as deep inside their own half

as possible. This is Jesse Bromwich. Another who can lay into being the

best prop forward operating in the world at the moment.

Creeping towards the halfway line. And doesn't creep anywhere. A loose

pass again, can't keep it in. England get it back from the scrum.

Again, a little bit loose. England have just got to take it up on that,

keep the ball, keep playing in the right areas, as they've been doing.

In the first half I thought the New Zealand is to mark the forwards were

making easy yardage, now it is tougher due to the English defence.

Caen the areas New Zealand have cut a point, it's given England the

field position. -- the areas New Zealand have come up with. It's not

been a fantastic game so far, it certainly hasn't, it's been

intriguing. It's been a good Test match, a very good Test match. It'll

get even better. Quick hands, suddenly, England through Joe

Burgess, rolling down the right-hand side. James Roby brings it back

middle. Williams, Widdop, has runners here. Steps inside,

Kenny-Dowall, and Hall is on his way. Guess who plan to the shoulder?

A couple of tackles still to go from England. Making this next play one

with more options for England. Right or left. James Roby goes left.

Widdop is in position. Is that an accidental offside? Yes, it is, it's

a New Zealand leg, kicked up by a man in front of him, the referee has

given a penalty for a real offside, not accidental. Touched your man,

the man offside. I thought it was accidental, then head and feet for

England, but he's given the penalty. It's a reaction from the New Zealand

player, the scruffy end, it comes off then. It's in your DNA to pick a

ball like that, isn't it? The bounce has gone the way of England, they

have to make the most of the opportunity, get some points on the

board from this pressure. Just a note, I think we've got an

Australian referee refereeing the next game, just a note. England

coming on in numbers. That's a dangerous play, that, he

turns and throws a blind pass. Did well though, didn't he, Widdop? Here

comes James Roby out of dummy half. England pushing all the buttons

here. It's intercepted by Kenny-Dowall, a big, searching pass

from Widdop. Great, great line speed committee read the play, came up.

Just watch, he's off. -- great line speed, he read the play. New Zealand

were under the cosh on their own line, they've handled it

defensively, now it's a matter of looking after the ball, clearing

their own lines, putting a good kick in and starting again. Nightingale

suggested he might go to dummy half. Burgess got the kick away.

It's taken by Hardaker, Hardaker runs it back to the 40 metre mark. A

high tackle. Hardaker gets up, doesn't say anything, it's a

penalty. Issac Luke has been called out in his role as joint captain.

Two skippers named for New Zealand on this tool, Luke is one of them.

Tidy back up... INAUDIBLE Keep going. That is the rules, can't

take his head off, Isaac. It the shoulder, went high. It's a fair old

penalty count in England's favour, that one. It really has contributed

to the amount of possession the men in white are having. They need to

capitalise upon it. The starting props back out together, Graham and

Hill. James Roby started on the bench but has figured prominently

following the injury to Hodgson. Ruby again, England with tackles in

the back, Roby gets a pass to Williams. -- James Roby again. Hill

saw a gap, went for it, closed quickly. James Roby still down and

looking shaky. Williams takes over at dummy half. Running away from

Proctor, towards the right-hand side. Very rarely do you see James

Roby staying down. It's a concern for England, Hodgson is off injured,

James Roby clearly rattled. Two specialist hookers on the night...

Sam Moa. Yeah. It's a great tackle. Really takes it at the line, doesn't

he? As a hooker and half-backs, he'll take the ball on the line,

possibility to get walloped. Rate player, he knows when to run with it

on a fast play-the-ball. When you get hit by an entire country, you

are bound to get a bit of a headache. Sam Moa on the blindside.

Lots of people will have missed that. Let's not labour the point,

let's carry on with the game, see what the referee has to say. I'll

put it on report, I'm playing tackle four. I'm happy with tackle four,

it's going on report. Wait there, please, tackle four. Hibs put the

Sam Moa on report because there might have been a shoulder charge.

22 minutes of the game remaining, England leading by two. Rolling up

is Ferres, has he got over the line? He has, Brett Ferres, second try of

the match. Not the prettiest of tries he'll ever score, but who

cares? It is four vital points for England fans and a chance for a 2

score lead for England. His first try was a brilliant angled run. He

rolls just as he hit the defensive line. Let's have a look at it. Just

the first man out. I don't think he was expecting it, but he slides and

rolls, a very good finish. Caen it is. Overrides the ball, excellent

finish, came from a quick play-the-ball once again. It's come

from the amount of possession and the New Zealanders having to do so

much defending, great opportunity not just think them to take a 2

score lead, but to close the Test match out. Widdop, right in front of

the sticks. Looking to add another two here that would give England an

8-point lead. Here comes Widdop, England have their 8-point lead.

Here is Earl Crabtree. What a massive start to the second half of

the England boys come walking back onside, thinking about the next

moment in the game, it's a voice or point, they can't afford to drop the

ball, and peace in here, keep the ball, keep the intensity. He

Earl would love to be on the field for real, but he's suited and booted

for us tonight. Can England close this out now? Daesh they've

dominated the second half. They've turned the pressure into points. At

some stage New Zealand will get field position. They've dominated

field position and the territory. Farrell will try to repeat that

exercise. England on the third tackle already up to the halfway

line. Hodgson back on the field, as John was saying earlier.

Ferres scored a hat-trick last week against the French, he might have

got four, but he is certainly in the tries at the moment, prolific. Five

tackles gun, England pressing again, 15 yards again. Hodgson goes right.

Tuivasa-Sheck is there. That's more like it, lovely it will kick.

They'll have a repeat that, momentum is certainly with England now. It

certainly helps with carriers like that from James Graham. You get to

the end of the set, lovely little kick through, space behind the wing

man, Tuivasa-Sheck has to go across and the England chase is good enough

and it earns another repeat. 70% possession England, 30% New Zealand.

And the territory, that dominant in possession, is really allowing

England to put foot down on this game, a great chance to close this

game out. Graham again finding great position can England with five

tackles to go from here. Whitehead held up 20 yards away, four tackles

to go, England leading by eight. And another chance for Hill through that

sizeable gap, but dragged down from below the knees once more. Graham,

what a role he is playing in the last few minutes, almost willed

himself over the line. Hodgson looks around, he goes right. The ball went

where it needed to, Whitehead still holding onto it. Tuivasa-Sheck

running away, the referee says there's no advantage there.

Tuivasa-Sheck teasing them. They'll go back to the scrum with New

Zealand's... We've got news about injuries from Tanya. The England

doctor has been kept busy, he is assessing James Roby for concussion

but Mike Cooper has been in the dressing room. He's been sent out

but with a heavily strapped right knee. He's been told to see how it

goes. We'll keep an eye on that. 18 minutes, 17. 17.5 minutes of this

international remaining. The rugby league number one nation, New

Zealand, being beaten by England, by 20-12. As it stands New Zealand have

to score twice if they are to get themselves out of this hole. England

have to hang on. New Zealand will come back with some aggression, you

would have thought. They've played exceptionally well, England. They've

really dominated, 23 minutes of this. I can't remember a time New

Zealand were in the England half. New Zealand need to look after the

ball. They need to hope they get a penalty at some stage, that will not

help that. They are forcing its now. Sam Moa. It's a downward spiral,

isn't it, with penalties? Not competing through errors like that,

playing at the line. Good defence from Widdop, giving Sam Moa no

chance to reel the ball in. There was talk about what the

partnership would be here from England. What have you made of the

Widdop and Williams combination? It's growing as the game goes on, it

really is, they look more and more at ease with one another. They are

not only ballplayers and kickers, both of them like to take the line

on. Here comes Hodgson out of the dummy half roll again in England

pressing forward once more. Hardaker at dummy half. Brett Ferres will

drive it in, England edging closer again here, 16 minutes to go.

Graham, inside ball. Hardaker. He was waiting, so worthy Kiwi

defenders. Hard work and New Zealand on their own line as New Zealand

continue to press. As it opened the door? Not quite. Brilliant,

brilliant defence. Hodgson speeds away, interception on the sixth

tackle, New Zealand have it back again. It was an opportunity, a well

worked a ploy by New Zealand. Tremendous tackle, I thought he was

in, didn't think they could stop him, what a brilliant tackle, double

tackle. It was a game saver. Looked as though it would slide over,

didn't it? But Tuivasa-Sheck across and all of the sudden the

play-the-ball is quicker for New Zealand, great passage of play. We

talked about 12 point turnaround in the first half, our New Zealand

about to execute something similar here? Having saved the try, they are

in the best position they've been in for a long time. Luke goes out of

dummy half. He's cracked down. Only ten yards or so. Only one play to go

in this set. It's kept alive here, kept alive. Kicked into English

hands. Taken by Hardaker. Another England player in trouble, strife.

Is it Brett Ferres? I'm not sure. I think there was a trip there.

There is a trip there, I think. Hardaker responded to it. There's

nothing in it, but I think he reacted to it. Referee says, play

on. Was it the swinging arm? Anyway... It's a Test match, isn't

it? Not a touch rugby competition. You will get that. Farrell down this

left-hand side. Ferres across, grabs hold of two others, who are there to

join in. New Zealand turning up the heat. They've realise they've got to

make something happen. The clock is against them. Graham with a dig

effort in the muddy referee says it was around his shoulders. Hill will

take it on. The forwards have really stepped up, Hill has taken the game

to them. Graham is another one. New Zealand looking for the return.

Nightingale. Kenny-Dowall at dummy half. Plenty of New Zealand players

walking badly. They look highly fatigued after having to defend so

much in this third quarter of the game. Running on empty at the

minute. They have to score twice in the 12 and a bit minute that

remains. It is England's job to keep them out. Luke. Sam Moa. It's hard

not to say his full name every time, isn't it? Last tackle coming

up. Hardaker backpedals. Up and down, safe as houses, the safest

full-back in the English game on those high balls. O'Loughlin did

really well, I watched him, gets in the way. It doesn't change his run.

What he does, the guys chasing the ball have to run around him, it

makes it easier for Hardaker to take the high ball. England struggling to

make ground towards the halfway line at the moment. Good work by Burgess

coming in to help the forwards out. Joe Burgess, the winner. Hodgson

goes left, Widdop with the kick. It was on the fifth tackle to

Tuivasa-Sheck. Always the potential danger when Tuivasa-Sheck brings it

back because of his step. Brings it wide for team-mates. It was an

excellent line, chasing that kick from the England team. A very good

chase. Off-loaded! Almost intercepted. This will be tackle

one. The tackle camp starts here. If and when Kenny-Dowall is put down.

England have to be disciplined, New Zealand are finding it difficult to

get good field position. If they can keep the discipline, keep the

defensive line in place, try to close this game off. The knot will

be tightening a little more in English stomachs now. These are

crucial moments. Need a good England touch. Another set of six for New

Zealand. They are starting to get a bit of ball, the Kiwis, it's whether

they have the energy left to execute some good plays. There is Harris,

who is put down. Whether they've got the experience in their hearts as

well. It was knocked down by Hall, it's

going to be another set for New Zealand from the base of the scrum.

All quite clearly got a touch. They worked that so well, Tuivasa-Sheck

created the danger again, and Ryan Hall did exceptionally well to get

his hand to that. This is the time for New Zealand, it really is,

they've had three sets now, consecutively, they've got great

field position. If they are going to win this game, and Stephen Kearney

will know that, they need some points from this debt. This is why

we have three Test series, whatever happens from here running, we want

to see these two come together again. There be unanswered questions

at the end of this 80 minutes. One or two questions still to be

answered at the end of the 70 minutes. The referee says play on.

The ball went out with no touch to it. Hiku held up ten away.

Hardaker and Farrell working hard. Isaac Luke spins it towards the

middle. Blair with an untidy past that is not done by Tuivasa-Sheck,

no fault with the full-back. It was his co-captain, Blair's pass. Very

difficult running onto the ball when it's dribbling around your ankles. A

very difficult take. Poor execution from Blair. I think it's the error

count, the penalty count, that has killed New Zealand in the second

half, it really is. England should be growing in confidence. As the

half goes on. Eight and a half minutes to go. For the next 40

seconds England should have the ball in their hands as they grind their

way back towards New Zealand territory. Applause because Tom

Burgess comes back on the field, fresh from his time on the

sidelines. Extra energy and extra power down the middle. Here he

comes. It's a good carry. Hodgson, Graham to his white. Graham has a

lovely soft pass. He couldn't quite get it away. Here comes the sixth

tackle. Widdop will put it high. Tuivasa-Sheck will catch it, but

he's surrounded by English players again. He'll be happy with that set,

disappointing with the kick, they wanted to compete for it. Now switch

on, defend, make him work for the hard yardage. What they are doing,

turning the ball over consistently near the New Zealand line. Making it

really difficult for the Kiwis to come away and create anything. That

had the Burgess trademark stamped all over it. Offensively and

defensively they've picked the tempo up, haven't they, England, in the

second half? New Zealand working towards the halfway line. They've

already got to the fifth tackle, they are going to have to kick

here, kick and hope. Luke carries it, they are going to run it. At the

desperation stage. This looks much too big. England will take that

every day of the week. Six and a half minutes to go. They don't need

a quick tap, let everybody get onside, then we'll restart. The

clock is their enemy now, New Zealand. You have to score the next

one, gets the ball. James Roby back on the field. Robson

and James Roby both injured, both have been involved since there are

bangs. Quick play-the-ball, darting runs, he has kicked, there he goes

again. Dummy half early in the tackle count. Let's put New Zealand

on the back foot, will be the England call. Tuivasa-Sheck has been

a sweet step, not able to sidestep through a wall of England defence.

New Zealand walking back. That would be a great vision for England, it

really would, they know they are winning this battle of attrition.

Five and a half to go, not quite the desperation of a semifinal or four

Nations game, New Zealand know that they've got two more bytes of the

cherry, they know there is plenty of improvement in them. England will

also know from the winning position that there is 20 of improvement in

them, too. That is a huge hit, another Burgess moment. Tom taking

up the family mantle. Two South Sydney stars. The ball has gone to

ground, the referee says it was knocked on, the fifth, sorry, the

sixth, tackle, a turnover, England get it back again. Tremendous

tackle, isn't it? I think he's had a massive impact, he really has, big

impact in the first half, returning again after a good stint early in

the second half. He's been tremendous, he's carried the ball

and defended. He's been very, very good in the second half. Everyone

has done their share. Hill, Graham, and Burgess has been good as well.

They've known their jobs and done their jobs. James Roby has been

influential as well on the back of their performance. This is James

Roby. He has Graham to his right, Graham with a step, look at that! At

this stage of the game. Big man down the middle who's got through so much

work, still channelling all that energy. Here comes with, Farrell

stepping, waiting for him was Kevin Proctor.

A couple of tackles to come. England. Ten away. Widdop. With a

little kick through, it's a Kiwi leg, the referee says, play on. It

England to have it back again! Proctor couldn't keep old, zero

tackle, six to go can England only five yards out.

Surely England are in a winning position now? Surely they cannot let

this slip? Another score seals it. But they are just happy to run that

clock down, it seems. The skipper has won it for England! Sean

O'Loughlin! It is a captain's knock! It is a victorious evening in

Hull for England Rugby League. They have got the first test signed,

sealed and delivered. That's right. It is fitting that one of the

forwards scores again to just end this game. I thought he had it. He

just lost control. This is it. Roby take it out. He just bumps him off.

That's a good finish, O'Loughlin. Blair came across there and had

every right to smash O'Loughlin. He's come off worse! He went into

the big hit. England have been relentless this second half, they

really have. They've looked after the ball well, they've defended

well, and they've taken their chances. They will be really happy

with this second-half performance, and the result of the game. Adam

Blair is still receiving treatment here, I think. He came flying

across. O'Loughlin was standing stock still. Blair came flying

across to smash him, and just the sheer presence of O'Loughlin...

Blair has come off second best by a different -- by a distance. Two

different captains, two different teams. One needs treatment. Here is

a relieved man, a happy man, but he knows there's still a big job to be

done for this to be sealed. This is only part one. They come in all

shapes and sizes, the Rugby League fans here. They are, for the most

part, very happy Rugby League fans. Blair limps to the sidelines.

England are marching towards victory here. Once Gareth Widdop has kicked

this goal, there will not be much time left in the game.

He will take all the time in the world. All the drama, all the

tension, has gone out of this game here. It has. They've really earned

this. They started off the first 20 minutes tentatively. Got better.

They started the second half quickly. It is the next step by

England. They have got themselves within touching distance of New

Zealand and Australia over the last couple of years. Here in Hull,

they've got themselves over the line. It might have gone awry when

they were losing 10-0 in the first half, but Dave Douglass read deep.

They are now leading by 26-12. You two have a duty of picking the man

of the match. Gareth Widdop, and the front row hill, and Graham have done

well. But for his man -- for his impact, and two tries at crucial

times, rat ferries. -- Brett Ferres. He hasn't had the easiest of

seasons, a suspension along the way. What about this ban as well?

Tom Burgess has been a solid figure down the middle. England do not

looked nervy now. They look as though they are enjoying it. They

are energised. They know what they did well in the second half. They

will take it to the next two Test series. The most powerful pack, it

gives a platform for the half-backs. We haven't seen Kallum

Watkins much tonight, or Hardaker, that that will come in the next two

tests. I think there were eight England players all up there. And it

was the kicker who made the tackle, Gareth Widdop. The intensity has

been lifted in the second half. It has not lacked intensity in the

second half. They have come away as comfortable winners, having been ten

points down. I would suggest you might see better games of Rugby

League in this Test series". You are not going to score all the time. You

have to win every point. The hooter sounds in the background. Sean

O'Loughlin's late try sealed a very good, a very good England win. They

take the 1-0 lead in the Test series. All roads lead to the

Olympic Stadium in London. What a night that's going to be! England

have started things off very well. On the back of this performance, I

hope they will go in with confidence and try and rock the series up. Try

and do the same performance as the second half. Good kicking from the

half-backs and good finishing. They took every opportunity that was

given to them, and they are worthy winners. England have really grown.

As this game went on, they grew in confidence and execution. They will

be absolutely delighted, and they will feel they can finish this off

now. There will be seeds of doubt in the guys wearing the black. What

about Jonathan Davies talking about England and using the word we? I

slipped up! Did not go unnoticed. Man of the match, Brett Ferres, two

tries tonight in England's winning performance. Congratulations.

There's the man of the match champagne. You've become a prolific

scorer. I am happy with that. A great start to the test. How

important for you to win this first test? We started well, and put in a

good performance there. Something to build on. How tough was it for you

forwards? They mash them up front, and that laid a platform for us. How

did you think the team grew through the match? It wasn't the best start

for us, but we kicked on after about 25 minutes, and started to get on

top of them. Those outside backs flourished. Congratulations, Brett.

Sean, congratulations. How much did you talk about the importance of

winning this first match? We knew it was good to get off to a good start,

and we needed that. We wanted to put in a good performance, and play as

well as we thought we could. I think we will see two improved sides next

week. Really happy with what we did today. How important to prove to

yourselves and everybody that you can beat teams like Australia and

New Zealand? Definitely. We've been coming up for a couple of years now.

This series, trying to get a trophy now. Well done, Sean. Steve

McNamara, your coach. Congratulations. How pleased were

you with how the team developed through that game? Very pleased. We

put ourselves under a lot of pressure, and to come back out the

back end of the first half, really set us up for the second half. The

second half, we played completely different, and finished the game

very strong. You upped the intensity in the second half. They delivered

on all the things you said to them in the first half. I think they were

away at it. I just had to support their feelings. We just needed to

change their mind set from the start. Thankfully, we did. It is a 3

match series, so what will you be working on next week? Both teams can

perform a lot better than that. It showed, both teams at times, were a

bit out of sync with each other. It was a very tough, physical game.

We've got a lot to work on. It's a six-day turnaround, so recovery is

the priority right now. We will see you in London. We will see him in

London next Saturday. They were excellent bomber England, in that

second half. They grew into the game, dominated possession and

dominated the game. The front row were magnificent. Burgess and Roby

turned the game for England. With Chris Hill and Brett Ferres who came

from the bench. I thought James Roby particularly, he prodded James

Graham around and the front rows around. It changed the game for

England. When you get it physically right, you run hard and played the

ball quickly, you bring the likes of James Roby to the game. Tom Burgess

came up with some big defensive plays as well. The middle of

England, in O'Loughlin, Graham, Roby and Hill, were sensational in the

second half, and outdid a Kiwi pack that was and outdid a Kiwi pack that

was an doubted. A tweet says, the England team is so strong, we have

not seen a squad with that much debt for a while. That strength and depth

probably did for New Zealand, didn't it? In the second half of the second

half, the New Zealand forwards were walking back quite a lot, and that

will have spurred England on. New Zealand came back into the game with

about five minutes to go, but because they had been doing 25

minutes of defending their own try-line, they had no energy left.

In that 25 minutes after half-time, they were having to save tries all

over the place, running from one side of the field to the other. The

energy battle that England poured on New Zealand is why they were

successful, punching holes, playing to their strength, turning New

Zealand around. Smart play from James Graham for the Ferres try.

Ferres pushed with support from James Graham, reloaded very quickly,

and what a smart piece of body shaping. He had no right to get the

ball down from that position, but ultimately, Brett Ferres'

contribution to the game, two International tries, that made the

difference. England got them on the front foot and played quickly. Blair

really tried to clean O'Loughlin out. They went bang, and Sean

O'Loughlin came over the top. That first tackle in the second half

might be what you get used to in test rugby. Exactly. Both teams will

only get better. Thank you to the three of you on BBC Two. We are

going to continue on the red button. #bbcrl if you want to get in touch

with us. We will see you in the Olympic Stadium for the second test

next weekend. Brett Ferres! Underneath the sticks.

O'Loughlin, straightening up. The skipper has won it for England. All

roads lead Live At The Apollo... ..is back.

Yay! Yeah! Back for a brand-new...

..series...