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Downbeat approach to semi’s
Tuesday, July 15th, 2008
After going through its pool with an unbeaten record, New Zealand will be looking to increase its momentum when it plays England in a Universities Rugby League Cup semi-final at Griffith University in Brisbane tomorrow (Wednesday) night.It will be a case of dejaveu for the two sides as the last time they played one another was also in Brisbane during a World Cup semi-final in 2005.
On that occasion New Zealand won 34-8 and then played Australia in the final, which again looks likely as the hosts are playing Wales in the other semi-final tomorrow night.
New Zealand coach Trevor McLeod said the last two training sessions have been the best in quality shown so far.
“We have done the ground work in winning all of our pool games, but now the time has come when we have to really have to lift our game and get everything done correctly such as eliminating basic errors and needless penalties.”
After having played with 20 players per game with an unlimited interchange going into and from 35 minute halves, McLeod said the final selection of 17 was hard to choose from, who now must readjust to a maximum of 12 interchanges and 40 minute halves.
“Things have not gone as easy as I would have liked, but in fairness I must give credit to Ireland, France and Wales, who showed us that they have improved in standard since 2005,” he said.
The New Zealand side to play England at 5pm (local time) tomorrow is.- Paul Atkins, Emmanuel Toka, Ben Hurrell, Siona Tuiloma, Scott Hurrell, Roy Leoni, Pose Manu, Danny Maera, Troy McKenzie, Anthony Mataroa, Kererua Savage, Daniel McGregor (captain); Substitutes: Keegan Taie, Laupepa Pasene, Rema Smith, Isaac Liava’a.
(Press release - NZU Rugby League Council)
