Kevin Sinfield: England reach rugby league World Cup final against an Australian side boasting ten titles
Semi-final win over Tonga in Auckland secured Gareth Widdop and the rest of the side a dream finale
ENGLAND are in the World Cup final — it feels really good to say that.
If it was any sport I would be excited but the fact that it is rugby league against Australia in their backyard, it doesn’t get any bigger.
The final in Brisbane next Saturday morning will be a massive occasion against the ten times world champions.
The atmosphere will be very special, as it was in the semi where the Tongan fans produced a wall of noise in Auckland. It was effectively a home tie for them.
We produced a fantastic performance for over 70 minutes though the Pacific islanders stormed back to set up a tense finish.
Crucially, Gareth Widdop landed all of his kicks.
We were all over them for most of the game with another superb defensive display — the foundation of our progress in this tournament.
It is what we will need against Australia as their skills and precision make them the best side in the world.
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In the opening tie we proved we can compete with the Kangaroos and now we need to step up again.
Without question we have grown throughout this World Cup.
With the biggest prize on the line it will be fantastic. I simply cannot wait.