New Zealand fight back to defeat England at RLWC08
November 9, 2008
New Zealand were down 24-8 in the first half of their match against England. From there they slowly worked their way back into the match to take the victory.
In bad news for the Kiwi’s centre Steve Matai suffered a potentially serious neck injury. He collided with teammate Greg Eastwood in the 29th minute when making a tackle. He was stretchered form the field after being fitted in a neck brace.
Kiwi skipper Benji Marshall and Lance Hohaia played strongly and helped setup big winger Manu Vatuvei several times as he scored four tries on the night.
England who rested stars Leon Pryce, James Roby and James Graham were on top in the first half, taking a 24-14 lead into the break. Rob Burrow the halfback for England bagged a double and Mickey Higham and Martin Gleeson scored a try each.
In the second half two backline moves that sucked in England defenders left Vatuvei with wide open runs to the line. He held the ball in one hand as he crossed, something that may one day embarass him. Vatuvei’s try in the 55th minute, his third, levelled the scores.
New Zealand hit the front after a penalty goal in the 69th minute. Then they closed out the match with Fien scoring in the 75th minute and then Vatuvei scored his fourth in the 78th minute.
The match counts for nothing unless PNG pulls off a huge upset to defeat Australia on Sunday night. If the match goes as expected England and New Zealand meet again in the semi next weekend.
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