Chris Hill admits England showed their best in a game they LOST!
Prop says the performance in the 18-4 loss to Australia was the highest standard they have showed
CHRIS Hill admits England have to pull their fingers out and get on their game – matching a game they LOST!
Wayne Bennett’s men face Papua New Guinea for a place in the World Cup semi-final on Sunday.
But the feeling is definitely that performances in wins over Lebanon and France just will not cut the mustard.
Instead, the showing from the 18-4 loss to the Kangaroos in the opening game is more like it.
“Our best performance in the group was against Australia,” Hill admitted. “But then we got the wins, which is the most important thing in the group.
“We’ve improved in some areas but there’s still a lot of improvement left in us.
“I think we were better against France than we were against Lebanon, we improved in areas but again we can get even better. We’ve got to
now as there are no second chances.
“Wayne said, ‘Lads, you’re playing for the 17 shirts next week,’ and I think a few lads put up a claim for it. It’s knockout rugby from now on, so we’ve got to be on our game.”
Whatever happens in Melbourne on Sunday, Papua New Guinea will be a physical challenge.
Winger Garry Lo seems like he could run through brick walls and forward Wellington Albert wears size 15 boots!
Warrington prop Hill, 30, added: “It’s a good challenge for us. We need to start controlling the ball a bit more and go set for set with them.
“Physically, there are no weak links in their team and that’s what you get with them and the other island teams.
“We’ve got to be on our game and while I think our defence has been pretty good, we’ve just been a bit scratchy with the ball. If we can keep hold of it, we’ll go a long way to winning.
“And I don’t think the fact it’s in Melbourne will make a difference, they’re a good side and if you give them too much ball, they can punish you.”
Kallum Watkins will return to the centres after being rested for the 36-6 win over France and will play at Melbourne three times in four months after Leeds agreed to play the World Club challenge there in February.
“Even though I don't like not playing, it was good for everyone to get a game and it was very important for the guys that have worked hard for the past couple of weeks,” he said about watching from the terraces in Perth.
“All the boys work so hard and they're here on merit, they deserve an opportunity. I was just resting but I’m refreshed and just looking
forward.”
