TONY SMITH'S BURSTING WITH PRIDE

TONY SMITH was bursting with pride after England secured a Four Nations final showdown against Australia.

The England boss said: "I'm very proud of their efforts. They are pretty determined and are growing as a team.

"It takes time and you throw guys together with a few days preparation, but we are building and improving. We found another side to us last week and again tonight.

"The Kiwis are a very good team, probably underrated coming into this tournament. It could have gone either way.

"We have the little task of taking on the Australians. That was part of our motivation because we wanted another crack at them."

And rock-steady Kevin Sinfield shunned the praise after his 72nd-minute penalty virtually made the game safe.

Sinfield said: "I just want to do my best for the team. It was a really tough game, but what you can see in this group is a togetherness.

"The lads are buying into it and we improved a lot this week. We need to again for next week."

Two-try hero Peter Fox grinned: "Two weeks ago I didn't think I would be here but it is great to play in it.

"They threw everything at us and I thought we defended really well. I put my hand up for their first try but I made up for it and I'm really pleased."

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