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From the WT website:
ELLIS LOOKS FORWARD TO KANGAROOS CLASH
Friday, 30 October 2009
Wests Tigers and England second-rower Gareth Ellis is preparing for one of his biggest Test matches yet when he lines up against Australia at Wigan on Sunday.
Ellis spoke with Wests Tigers Media Officer Wayne Cousins about the clash against the Kangaroos and coming up against Tim Sheens and Robbie Farah.
WC: Congratulations on the win to England and your man of the match performance. France certainly gave you an early scare to lead at half-time? What did coach Tony Smith think of the performance?
GE: Obviously, it wasn't as great a performance as we would of liked to kick off the tournament but there was some positives to come out of the game in particular our second half performance. It was only our first real hit out together since the grand final boys joined the squad, so hopefully we'll be much better for that 80 minutes together against the Aussies.
WC: This week, you take on the Kangaroos at Wigan. The Aussies were lucky to escape with a draw against the Kiwis. What did you make of the Aussies?
GE: I thought it was a great game to watch, a typical Test match where both sets of forwards really got stuck into each other. The Aussies will be better for that game which makes it more important that we play to our full potential and meet fire with fire as the Kiwis did.
WC: The Kangaroos and the Kiwis certainly ripped into each other. What did you make of the KiwIs performance and that, of Benji’s, in particular?
GE: I thought the Kiwis played really well and as you said, were unlucky to only get a draw in the end but that’s the Aussie mentality, to play for the full 80 and a never say die attitude. It was very much a forwards game and it was obvious that the NZ game plan was to take the Aussies on up the middle. The backs had little opportunity but I thought Benji looked sharp and threatening when he got his hands on the ball.
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WC: England sit on top of the Four Nations ladder. A win over Australia could all but end their tournament?
GE: This is a huge game for both teams with neither being fully happy with their first round performances. Australia will want to get that first win and for ourselves, its a huge opportunity to stand out as real contenders for this tournament. Everyone in the England camp is really excited about this game, including myself.
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WC: Have you spoken to or caught up with Benji, Robbie or Tim yet?
GE: Haven't caught up with any of the lads yet, they were based in London for their game and we've been in camp up north in God’s country. Spoke to them both the other day to see if they were enjoying themselves and they sounded like they were. Think they have been doing a bit of sight-seeing and Robbie fulfilled his life long dream of going to Anfield and watching Liverpool. Benji will be over in France this week but maybe I'll see Robbie and Tim at some point after the game, hopefully they won't be too pleased to see me!!!
ELLIS LOOKS FORWARD TO KANGAROOS CLASH
Friday, 30 October 2009
Wests Tigers and England second-rower Gareth Ellis is preparing for one of his biggest Test matches yet when he lines up against Australia at Wigan on Sunday.
Ellis spoke with Wests Tigers Media Officer Wayne Cousins about the clash against the Kangaroos and coming up against Tim Sheens and Robbie Farah.
WC: Congratulations on the win to England and your man of the match performance. France certainly gave you an early scare to lead at half-time? What did coach Tony Smith think of the performance?
GE: Obviously, it wasn't as great a performance as we would of liked to kick off the tournament but there was some positives to come out of the game in particular our second half performance. It was only our first real hit out together since the grand final boys joined the squad, so hopefully we'll be much better for that 80 minutes together against the Aussies.
WC: This week, you take on the Kangaroos at Wigan. The Aussies were lucky to escape with a draw against the Kiwis. What did you make of the Aussies?
GE: I thought it was a great game to watch, a typical Test match where both sets of forwards really got stuck into each other. The Aussies will be better for that game which makes it more important that we play to our full potential and meet fire with fire as the Kiwis did.
WC: The Kangaroos and the Kiwis certainly ripped into each other. What did you make of the KiwIs performance and that, of Benji’s, in particular?
GE: I thought the Kiwis played really well and as you said, were unlucky to only get a draw in the end but that’s the Aussie mentality, to play for the full 80 and a never say die attitude. It was very much a forwards game and it was obvious that the NZ game plan was to take the Aussies on up the middle. The backs had little opportunity but I thought Benji looked sharp and threatening when he got his hands on the ball.
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WC: England sit on top of the Four Nations ladder. A win over Australia could all but end their tournament?
GE: This is a huge game for both teams with neither being fully happy with their first round performances. Australia will want to get that first win and for ourselves, its a huge opportunity to stand out as real contenders for this tournament. Everyone in the England camp is really excited about this game, including myself.
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WC: Have you spoken to or caught up with Benji, Robbie or Tim yet?
GE: Haven't caught up with any of the lads yet, they were based in London for their game and we've been in camp up north in God’s country. Spoke to them both the other day to see if they were enjoying themselves and they sounded like they were. Think they have been doing a bit of sight-seeing and Robbie fulfilled his life long dream of going to Anfield and watching Liverpool. Benji will be over in France this week but maybe I'll see Robbie and Tim at some point after the game, hopefully they won't be too pleased to see me!!!
