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Rugby League

Smith happy with warm-up performance against Wales

11/10/2008

England coach Tony Smith said he was pleased with the performance of his young England side during their World Cup warm-up win over Wales yesterday.

Smith did not risk too many of the players who will form an integral part of his World Cup side, but that gave fringe players and youngsters the chance to impress.

The former Leeds had coach said the match was what his players needed, with many of them having not played for a number of weeks following the conclusion of the Super League's regular season.

Smith said: "It was a game that we needed for players to blow a few cobwebs out of the system and we came though unscathed, which is an extra bonus."

England were victorious 74-0 and Smith said a number of players have now given him something to think about when he selects his first-choice side.

"They enhanced their chances which is good because I want as many selection headaches as I can get," Smith added.

"There was also valuable experience gained for a lot of the young guys. I can't speak highly enough of the spirit in the group."

Smith praised man-of-the-match Rob Purdham who was making his England debut. The Harlequins loose forward scored 20 points against Wales, including a try.

"I wasn't surprised," said Smith. "He's played just as he's played all year. He churns out the same performance week in, week out."

England will now fly out to Australia ahead of their first match in the World Cup against Papua New Guinea in two week's time.