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Rugby League

Smith praises "polished performance" against France

28/06/2008

England rugby league coach Tony Smith praised his side's performance after they swept aside France 56-8 last night.

The match was England's first since they came together as Great Britain to win the Test series against New Zealand last year.

Using the Test against France as a build-up to the World Cup in October, Smith said he was pleased with how his squad was gelling together.

He said: "The squad has been very professional in the build-up. They have prepared themselves for that sort of performance.

"They have set some pretty high standards for themselves and I think you could see that commitment."

England went into half-time just eight points ahead at 16-8, having conceded a try, but Smith felt that the improvement they made in the second half showed their true capabilities.

"There was a little early blemish defensively but after that there were not many," claimed the former Leeds coach.

Warrington centre Martin Gleeson scored a hat-trick, while the England team ran in ten tries in all. Smith said the side was heading in the right direction ahead of the World Cup.

"It was a pretty polished performance with some great combinations. It seemed like we just carried on from the last series. They are familiar with each other. It has almost been club-like this week," concluded Smith.