Rugby League: Four Nations wrap-up week 1

Australia and England both showed great execution in their wins over New Zealand and Wales respectively in week 1 of the 2011 Four Nations.

The Kiwis paid the price for their slow start and did well to come back from a 16-0 deficit at halftime. In recent history, when the New Zealanders have won against the Kangaroos, they stay within four points at halftime. The Kiwis did manage to score two tries quickly at make it 16-12 with 25 minutes to play but the Aussies were too clinical and the 14 win may have been a reflection on the handling and completion rates more than anything.

I certainly think the Kiwis can make the final and many of their side like Lewis Brown, their captain Benji Marshall and Gerard Beale were much improved over last week, and Sam McKendry and Ben Matulino had strong games against their forward counterparts. With a couple more weeks together, if they can get their defence clearer and tweak their execution, they should be within a real shot of winning the competition.

I thought Wales played quite well and had some good structure in their attack. England were too slick with the ball and when you have only been together for a week, like the Dragons, defense is going to be the area which suffers. Sam Tomkins was exceptional and the England fullback will relish the chance to play his idol next week Billy Slater.

England will view their next match against the Kangaroos as the crunch match as far as the tournament goes – however Australia should win this one too, making the subsequent match against the Kiwis the big one. For the sake of international rugby league, it will probably be better for England to win the tournament. My gut feeling is they are another year or two away from being a real force and both Australia and New Zealand still have too much quality across the park.

I really liked Rangi Chase’s play at halfback for England and he will be the key to unlocking defenses over the next few weeks. Keep your eye on Chase along with Tomkins to do some special things in this tournament. In the latter’s case, four tries this weekend was a great start.