England Beat France in Four Nations - Ellis Man of the Match

[Novocastrian_Tiger]

Richie Myler touched down twice as England came from behind to beat France 34-12 in an unconvincing start to rugby league's Four Nations tournament on Friday.

Tries from Vincent Duport and Kane Bentley put France 12-4 ahead at halftime and the visitors were on course for a first win over England for more than 27 years.

But the game turned in England's favour after the break thanks to teenage halfback Myler's two quick tries.

Kevin Sinfield, Ryan Hall and Tom Briscoe also got on the scoresheet, adding to an earlier try from Lee Smith in the 12th minute.

Despite a less than impressive display, England coach Tony Smith refused to press the panic button.

"I was not concerned," Smith said.

"We were a bit anxious and put a bit of pressure on one another.

"We just had to settle down and build some pressure on the French.

"We knew if we did that they would struggle. This is a new team, and it takes a little bit of time to get the combinations - and that showed tonight.

"We go up about three rungs in class next week (against Australia)."

**Wests Tigers' English second-rower Gareth Ellis was named man of the match.**

Australia get their tournament under way against New Zealand at the Stoop Stadium at Twickenham on Saturday.
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Source: NRL.COM and AAP
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Well done Ellis, we have no doubt you are the best pommie running around.

 

[Florrie]

Wow - would it be possible to keep spoilers out of headers? This was prominent in the latest posts on the front page and could hardly be avoided.

Not that it's a surprise.

 

[fainty]

anyone have any reports on Sam Burgess' game? I saw the highlights but couldnt even see him out there! Wondering if the hype is bigger then the man?

 

[senexx]

Wow - would it be possible to keep spoilers out of headers? This was prominent in the latest posts on the front page and could hardly be avoided.

Not that it's a surprise.

Is the game actually airing somewhere in THIS country (Oz)?

 

[Geo]

Wow - would it be possible to keep spoilers out of headers? This was prominent in the latest posts on the front page and could hardly be avoided.

Not that it's a surprise.

Is the game actually airing somewhere in THIS country (Oz)?

6.30pm Foxsports 3….full replay......

 

[Marshall_magic]

anyone have any reports on Sam Burgess' game? I saw the highlights but couldnt even see him out there! Wondering if the hype is bigger then the man?

Went alright I thought. Made some strong runs. Nearly scored a try, but lost control of the ball (would probably have been given in the NRL, but common sense prevailed).

Ellis MOM? I didn't think he played that good, I thought Morley was much better than Gaz.

 

[Novocastrian_Tiger]

Wow - would it be possible to keep spoilers out of headers? This was prominent in the latest posts on the front page and could hardly be avoided.

Not that it's a surprise.

Sorry guys, my bad. Wasn't thinking this morning.

 

[Yossarian]

Wow - would it be possible to keep spoilers out of headers? This was prominent in the latest posts on the front page and could hardly be avoided.

Not that it's a surprise.

Is the game actually airing somewhere in THIS country (Oz)?

6.30pm Foxsports 3….full replay......

It was on live as well. I recorded it on IQ and thankfully I watched the replay before I saw this thread. France looked good in the first half but you always sort of knew that England would run over them. French 5/8 looked good, Ellis played his usual busy game.

 

[Mystery]

It was a very scrappy game but England do seem to have a few young shining lights in Myler, Eastmond and Burgess… I honestly didnt notice Ellis that much but its a good confidence booster for him