England happy with RLWC win over Fiji

England were unconvincing early in a 34-12 win over Fiji at the Rugby League World Cup, but Steve McNamara is confident his side can fire in the finals.

Coach Steve McNamara insists England head into the Rugby League World Cup quarter-finals a better team for their group outings after defeating Fiji 34-12.

England claimed their second successive win of the tournament with Ryan Hall at the double as five tries were scored in a devastating 16-minute spell at the start of the second half.

Level at 6-6 at halftime as Ben Westwood and Eloni Vunakece traded tries, England ran riot after the interval with Hall grabbing two and Sam Burgess, Brett Ferres and Rob Burrow scoring one each.

Semi Radradra grabbed a consolation late in the second half for Fiji, who also made the quarter-finals after Australia beat winless Ireland.

England's place in the last eight is assured and coach McNamara is adamant they are growing into the tournament after responding to an opening defeat to Australia with successive wins.

"It was a proper Test match and we always knew it would be against Fiji. Anyone who thinks they will come and walk over this Fijian team will have to think again," said McNamara.

"We defended great in the first half and we had to because Fiji came at us. It was exactly the test we needed at this stage of the tournament.

"We have had no real easy games so far and we have had to work hard in each one. I think that will bode well for us in the quarter-finals now.

"We were a little more direct in this game, which was pleasing to see.

"Fiji played better than I've ever seen. Whoever they face in the quarter-finals is going to have a tough job."

Fiji beat Ireland in their tournament opener but then lost to both McNamara's troops and Tim Sheens' Australia.

They will face either Samoa or France in the quarter-finals, with the winner likely to tackle the Kangaroos in the semis.

Fiji coach Rick Stone admitted England were uncontrollable as they dominated after the break with Hall scoring his fifth and sixth tries of the tournament so far.

"I am pretty proud of the guys and the way we played, especially in the first half," said Stone.

"Obviously it was a really good effort.

"But England were great in the first 20 minutes of the second half and we couldn't contain them. We kept fighting on and gave it all we had.

"We're enjoying the experience. For some of the boys who have never left home before it has certainly been an amazing experience."


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Source: AAP


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