Graham Lowe: Kiwis must lift against England

The Kiwis needed to win against France this morning and score as many points as possible on the way.

This mission was accomplished with a 62-12 victory in Toulouse.

But although that scoreline suggests differently, there is a lot of work to do in the Kiwi camp before they take on England next week.

This was a very weak French side ravaged by suspensions, injuries and swine flu.

And for half of the game they put a number of questions to the Kiwis that weren't answered all that well.

The ferocity in defence the Kiwis served up to Australia last week wasn't there at all in the first half and this allowed the French to stay in the game.

But it was always going to be a Kiwi victory because France quite simply did not have good enough players. Their coach Bobby Goulding has certainly instilled plenty of spirit in this French outfit but in a tournament of this quality that alone is not enough.

However, with the win tucked away Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney will now be focused on what will be the match of the Four Nations so far. England gave themselves little chance against Australia in Wigan this morning because they were behind 26-0 at halftime.

This suggests to me not that Australia were so superior but the English were not mentally ready.

They did enough in the second half, scoring 16 unanswered points to show they have the skill but their first half effort was ordinary.

Neither the Kiwis-France game or the England-Australia game reached the heights of last week's explosive draw between Australia and the Kiwis.

Lance Hohaia was once again great for the Kiwis and looks a threat each time he has the ball in his hands.

But Thomas Leuluai and Issac Luke were also very effective in their roles at dummy-half.

It is a luxury Kearney has that he is able to use both these players in this position.

The Kiwi forwards only went through the motions because that was all they needed to do and same can be said about the backs.

Last week's intensity wasn't there and the Kiwi coaching staff will need to address this area.

Intensity will play a major part in their do-or-die match against England.

But suggesting the Kiwis can improve on a 62-12 test victory indicates the expectation levels that the Kiwis have climbed to.

They have a strong and skilful squad, they are the world champions and they are in form.

What they need to do is demonstrate next week the burden of expectation is not too heavy for them.

I personally think all the pressure will be on England. The Kiwis just need to do what they are good at.