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Rugby League

Smith hails winning start

23/06/2007

New Great Britain coach Tony Smith hailed his players' adventurous spirit after they supplied him with a debut 42-14 win over France.

Smith, who took over the national reins after Brian Noble's departure earlier this year, initially saw a new-look side struggle against the unfancied French.

But after trailing 10-4 midway through the half, the Lions turned on the style to pull away to a classy win.

"I thought there was an abundance of enthusiasm - maybe too much at times in the first half. I thought we were trying a little too hard to entertain," the Australian said.

"But that is a good thing. As far as a coach goes, you'd rather be that way than lacking enthusiasm."

Leeds pair Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield both impressed on their home turf of Headingley, but it was try-scoring skipper Adrian Morley who was singled out for praise by his boss.

"They were very well led by their skipper out there. I thought he was as enthusiastic as anybody out on the pitch."

Wolves forward Morley conceded that wearing the captain's armband was a new sensation for him, but one that he enjoyed in the absence of the rested Jamie Peacock.

"I really enjoyed it, and I've really enjoyed the week too. It's something I'm not accustomed to but the boys have really helped me out. I've really got something from this week."

Smith admitted that he hopes the win acts as a spur to those first-choice players not involved to raise their game ahead of next year's World Cup.

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