Steve McNamara reckons Kevin Sinfield can make their eliminator's win possible
While talking to media reporters on Saturday, November 12, England coach Steve McNamara is hoping that Kevin Sinfield may guide Gillette Four Nations eliminator against New Zealand at KC Stadium in Hull.
The match is very important for both sides, because loss at this stage will mean the end of Four Nations Final dream. England are striving for a second chance with Australia, after losing 20-36 to them in the second leg of the double-header last weekend,
which is only possible if they win against New Zealand in the weekend game.
Saturday’s clash has already gained popularity amongst masses because both sides are equally hungry for the win against their opponents at this level. Winners at this stage of the campaign will determine Roos opponents in the final showdown of Four Nations
2011.
English coach has very high hopes clung to Sinfield, who almost two years ago had led England to a thumping 20-12 victory. That result has convinced English coach that the player can mirror the same efforts to bag victory over the Kiwis to cement their position
on the final berth.
McNamara reckons that Sinfield has the ability to easily influence his entire side, which explains why win at this level is not too far-fetched a wish of the English coach.
Expressing his personal views about English skipper’s unmatched skill-set in the world of rugby, the English coach further added, “He's played in three different positions throughout this tournament and his performance hasn't diminished in any of those positions.
He's a very good professional. We've improved each week throughout the tournament without doubt and I'm sure we'll see some more improvement this week to get us over the line. There's a lot at stake. We need to play with a lot of passion and a lot of control
at the same time.”
McNamara explained that Saturday’s win can be bagged easily if his side plays passionately, meanwhile establishing control over the game. With those two key ingredients to victory factored in, English side will give a tough competition to Kiwis, who also
boast a very successful run over these last few years.
New Zealand-born Rangi Chase will make his fourth appearance for England at the sudden-death encounter. Meanwhile, Kiwi captain Benji Marshall, is posing a real threat for the English quarters.
Speaking about Chase, Marshall acknowledged that the former has been and will continue to be his best mate, but for this entire week he will not maintain contact with him, because both are rivals for an effective Gillette Four Nations semi-final.
Tags: