Hugh McGahan: Gutsy effort but work to do

Shaun Kenny-Dowall. Photo / Getty Images

The Kiwis will be pleased to get the win but coach Stephen Kearney will be fairly frustrated with last night's performance.

The New Zealand team still haven't managed to get back to the levels they reached in Brisbane against the Kangaroos - and have a lot to work this week before Saturday's final.

The Kiwis could have closed the game out quite comfortably in the second half but poor execution and even a bit of panic kept England in the match, to the point where the visitors could have stolen it in the last ten minutes.

There are issues out wide, especially on the left edge. Manu Vatuvei provided his usual impetus on attack but continues to get caught out of position on defence. Shaun Kenny-Dowall was also guilty of some mis-reads and you can guarantee that side will be targeted next week.

There were also brain snaps; what was Peta Hiku doing jumping in front of Shaun Johnson to take a fifth tackle kick? And too often attacking structures broke down at the end of the set. They should have forced more repeat sets but Johnson is being targeted and his grubber kicks are read too easily.

They need to work on some different last play options - maybe put Johnson wider or have both halves on the same side of the ruck occasionally.

Having said that, it was a gutsy performance against a skilful and determined English side. Some of the Kiwis' scrambling defence was brilliant, and kept them in the game in the first 20 minutes when the visitors dominated possession and territory. The forward pack is going extremely well; however, I'm not sure why Jason Taumalolo and Martin Taupau didn't get more game time, and they are both more effective than someone like Adam Blair.

I was surprised to see Thomas Leuluai starting the match - when was the last time Issac Luke began a game on the interchange bench? But the Warriors player probably shaded Luke. Luke was good but Leuluai was more effective, especially with his quick service out of dummy half.

What an incredible tournament this has been; it's re-energised the sport to a degree. There will be huge interest now in the Australia-Samoa clash today - who would have thought that a few weeks ago? The Samoans have been fantastic and they will be boosted by yesterday's result, knowing they still have a realistic chance of making the final.

I hope we don't see too much desperation from them in an effort to score points, they need to keep it tight and continue what they have been doing so well. Australia will probably prevail - Cameron Smith will target players like Ben Roberts - but I can't see it being a blowout, unless Samoa have a terrible start.