HULL KR: Briscoe – we failed to take toll (video)

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Monday, November 16, 2009
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This is HullandEastRiding

HULL KR full-back Shaun Briscoe says his side's inability to convert their try-scoring opportunities ultimately cost England victory in the final of the Four Nations at Elland Road.

For the best part of an hour, England were in the game as they trailed 22-16 to Australia.

But four tries in the final 14 minutes by a rampant Australia saw them cruise to a 46-16 win to clinch the first ever Four Nations tournament.

The win also saw Australia restore their place at the top of world rugby league once again, after being temporarily dislodged by New Zealand at last year's World Cup.

England held their own throughout and worked hard to get inside Australia's 20-metre line, but all too often they came up with the wrong option, whereas Australia showed them how it's done.

Inside the opposition's 20-metre line, Australia scored a try once every two visits, while England's ratio was just over one in four.

Briscoe feels this ratio has to improve if England are to establish themselves as the world's best side.

"We have to take our chances when they are given to you," Briscoe told the Mail.

"We had a couple but didn't take them but the Aussies punished us when they got their chances.

"I'm disappointed. We came here to win and we thoroughly believed we could do it.

"We put in a good performance for 50 minutes or so but the Aussies punished us in the final half hour.

"There's building blocks to work on in years to come and we feel we have taken steps forward."

Briscoe has done enough in this tournament to suggest he should be part of any future England squads.

Having been made to wait for his chance because of Paul Wellens' form in recent years, Briscoe isn't prepared to let go of the number one shirt just yet.

But he knows he has to continue to do well for his club side before he can be considered for his country again.

"I've definitely got the hunger for more, but I wouldn't say I've excelled in the series," said Briscoe.

"Personally, I've been disappointed with how I've gone.

"I know I can do a lot better.

"Now I've got to work hard for Rovers next season and make sure I get given this opportunity again.

"It's been great to be involved with the lads from other clubs and to play against the world's best players has been a brilliant opportunity for me.

"It's something I'll keep as a memory but I definitely want more of it."

Briscoe will take a well earned rest now before joining up with the rest of his Rovers team-mates in the middle of December.

To read Charlie Mullan's thoughts on the Four Nations click here

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3 Comments

  • Profile image for This is HullandEastRiding

    by Tricky64, NZ

    Monday, November 16 2009, 8:51PM

    “I first saw Australia play GB in 1982 at Boothferry Park. 27 years later I'm afraid we're no closer to them. Sorry, but that's how it is, Aus has a conveyor belt that produces top quality players, year in year out, that nearly always perform well together. I used to think 'Once we get rid of Wally Lewis and the like', then comes Lockyer and co!”

  • Profile image for This is HullandEastRiding

    by fact, anywhere in hull

    Monday, November 16 2009, 1:58PM

    “No shaun - Superior players took its toll!”

  • Profile image for This is HullandEastRiding

    by chicken, wings

    Monday, November 16 2009, 8:39AM

    “as soon as the aussies switched play to down the wings they ran riot,same in both defeats we just aint got an answer.”

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