NZU vs England World Cup semi-final
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After going through section play with a two win and a one loss record, the New Zealand Universities will play its most crucial match of the tournament to date when it takes on England in the first Student Rugby League World Cup semi-final at the Arana Hills Rugby League Cup in Brisbane tonight (Wednesday 13 July).

England on the other hand finished unbeaten in their pool with victories over Ireland, France and the Pacific Islands and as a result are in a confident mood to upset the same opponents that they went down 46-16 to in the 1999 World Cup final.

New Zealand Universities coach Trevor McLeod believed however that the current England side will be a lot stronger compared to the one his side played six years ago.

?They are not only better drilled, but have got much better on defence,? he said.

One of the key areas McLeod identified that his side will need to work will be to speed the ball up around the ruck area.

?Considering that we have not had a Students Association side 2000 and we only came together a fortnight ago, I have being very impressed at how quickly this team has gelled as they have got to know each other quicker than I thought?.

Under the tournament rules set down by the organizers, the NZ Universities side has had to further reduce its match squad of 19 players to the usual 17, although the unlimited interchange rule will still be in place.

McLeod believed it was a ?silly system? to bring in the 19 player squad for matches anyway and was happy that the 17 player squad now applies as that he is able to better plan his side overall for the crucial match.

?There will be no second chances if we lose, so it is vital that our smart players around the halves create opportunities after our forwards set the platform with solid work,? he said.

?That means they (the forwards) will need to work in twos and threes rather than rely on individuals to do carry the work?.

McLeod was also hoping that his side will be able to stretch the English defence by moving the ball out a bit wider than usual.

The match will kick off at 6.30pm (8.30pm NZ time) and will be controlled by the Australian referee, Matthew Hawkins. The other semi-final will be played at 8.15pm (10.15pm NZ time) between France and Australia.

The New Zealand Universities side to play England is.- Backs: Paul Aitkins, Tim Cahill, Tala Paleaasina, Mike Nathan, Scott Hurrell, Mike Craig, Jamie McDonald; Forwards: Adam Donaldson, Jimmy O?Brien, Chris Tupou, James Koloamatangi, George Taunga, Andrew Auimatagi (captain); Reserves: Daniel McGregor, Daniel Bell, Aina Masina, Henry Heke.