Rugby League World Cup semi-finals: England v New ZealandLive
Live video, audio and text commentary of the Rugby League World Cup semi-finals from Wembley.
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Robbie Hunter-Paul, Former New Zealand international and BBC Sport expert"We said before the game that New Zealand haven't been challenged before and this is how they have found themselves. England weathered the early storm and now New Zealand have to do the same."
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24 mins:PENALTY- New Zealand 0-8 England - Kevin Sinfield
More evidence of Sam Burgess' growing stature as one of the best forwards in the world. The South Sydney man produces a brilliant step to evade Elijah Taylor and England earn a penalty, which Kevin Sinfield slots over from close range.
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Peter Dobson: Sam Burgess is an absolute monster. Come on England.
Ian Robertson: At what point to the England players start to think "Let's not run at 12"
Tom Wray: Huuuuuge tackles in this game.
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England's Liam Farrell on BBC One: "It has been a physical start and we have been building a bit of pressure and we are getting on top now. The big boys are throwing themselves in there but the Kiwis are doing the same."
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21 mins:New Zealand 0-6 England
This is the first time New Zealand have been behind in this World Cup. Will be interesting to see how they respond.
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Paul Fletcher, BBC Sport at Wembley"Twice England have defended three straight sets from the Kiwis and now have their reward for their defensive work. The Kiwi coaching bench sat behind me does not look overly concerned just yet. The vast majority of the fans really lifting the England team, who are in turn playing with a huge amount of passion."
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Jon Wilkin, England, St Helens and BBC Sport expert"It has been a really intense start and the game will be defined by pieces of extra work. Defensively it has been outstanding so far."
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Marc Liptrot: Get in, good start England!
Brad: Yes England!
Ste Morgan: All that pressure soaked up then boom!! Classy stuff from England.
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Jamie Jones-Buchanan, England, Leeds Rhinos and BBC Sport expert"There will be lot of people looking at the that try and the key person was James Roby. There was some brilliant passing and I said England are coming here to do a job but there has not been much belief from others."
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15 mins:CONVERTED TRY- New Zealand 0-6 England - Sean O'Loughlin (Kevin Sinfield con)
The breakthrough for England, and reward for the superb defensive effort that they have put in early on at Wembley. Powerful carries by James Graham and Sam Burgess set up the chance for Sean O'Loughlin to open the scoring. Kevin Sinfield slots over the extras and England lead 6-0.
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14 mins:New Zealand 0-0 England
Maybe an error from the officials as referee Ben Cummins gives a knock-on against New Zealand, although replays suggest England hooker James Roby kicked the ball backwards. Can England take advantage?
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Jonathan Davies, Former Wales international and BBC Sport expert"England have to test New Zealand all the time. But there is a worry on the left-hand defensive side for England."
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13 mins:New Zealand 0-0 England
Kieran Foran's high kick is spilled forward by Josh Charnley and Sam Tomkins is caught offside. From the resulting penalty, England's defence is solid and Sonny Bill Williams drops the ball. England back in possession.
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11 mins:New Zealand 0-0 England
A breathless, bruising start to this semi-final contest. But still no breakthrough. First score in this one could be crucial.
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Brian Noble, Former Great Britain coach and BBC Sport expert"There are some wonderful players out there with world-class match-ups all over the field. This England team are in the mood."
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Paul Fletcher, BBC Sport at Wembley
"The crowd right behind England here, absolutely cheering every kick and tackle made. Some huge hits so far, you can see the shuddering, juddering impact 50 yards away in the stands. Thunderous, brutal stuff so far."
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10 mins:New Zealand 0-0 England
Josh Charnley, desperate to keep the play alive on tackle six, puts England under pressure with a blind pass that only picks out a black shirt. They work an overlap on the left touchline and streak towards the whitewash, but a combination of Ryan Hall and James Graham keep the Kiwis at bay.
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Jamie Jones-Buchanan, England, Leeds Rhinos and BBC Sport expert
"The crowd have perked up now, and this Kiwi side is like an egg. Hard on the outside but if England keep chipping away, they will get to the soft stuff."
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Jonathan Davies, Former Wales international and BBC Sport expert
"Fantastic positional play by Sam Tomkins to deny New Zealand's Issac Luke but great defence by England. The execution of the New Zealand passing is top quality."
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7 mins:New Zealand 0-0 England
The first meeting between Sam Burgess and Sonny Bill Williams. Unsurprisingly, it's a massive hit by Sonny Bill. But England win the penalty as Jared Waerea-Hargreaves comes in with a high shot on Burgess. Josh Charnley's break brings the England fans to their feet, and then Kevin Sinfield kicks for Ryan Hall, who is unable to get on the end of it.
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4 mins:New Zealand 0-0 England
More good defending by England as the Kiwis work the ball wide to Jason Nightingale, who is tackled into touch by Josh Charnley. Impressive start by the World Cup holders, and England holding firm for now.
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Jamie Jones-Buchanan, England, Leeds Rhinos and BBC Sport expert
"Sam Tomkins is a fascinating character. He launched the ball into the back of the crowd and saved his country a try. I have been impressed by the physicality of England in the opening few minutes."
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4 mins:NO TRY- New Zealand 0-0 England
England escape. New Zealand hooker Issac Luke kicks through to himself and would have grounded the ball but for the intervention of full-back Sam Tomkins.
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4 mins:TRY REVIEW
Have the Kiwis gone over through Issac Luke?
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3 mins:New Zealand 0-0 England
Some huge hits already in the opening two minutes. Skipper Kevin Sinfield kicks early in the tackle count and a good kick-chase by England sends New Zealand into their own half. Jesse Bromwich has the ball stolen by James Roby, illegally according to referee Ben Cummins, and the Kiwis have a penalty 40 metres out.
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Benjamin Wood: "This game is gonna be brilliant."
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1305:
Tulsen Tollett, Former Super League star and BBC Sport expertHere we go! Can England match NZ up front and have NZ played enough tough games leading into this? All will be answered!
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1304:KICK-OFF- New Zealand 0-0 England
Away we go...
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Harry Fox: "Here we go... Burgess vs. Sonny Bill."
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1302:
I was right. The stadium falls silent as New Zealand perform their Haka. The England players stared straight ahead. They all mean business.
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1300:
Paul Fletcher, BBC Sport at Wembley
"No lack of atmosphere here at Wembley Stadium. The first two tiers are pretty full. Kiwi coach Stephen Kearney sat just behind me. If the intense look on his face is anything to go by it could be a long afternoon for England."
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1300:
There is a determined look about the New Zealand players, arms locked together, as they sing their national anthem. England, in their red tracksuit tops, have the same steely stare. The English anthem was certainly sung with more gusto. Maybe the Kiwis are saving themselves for the Haka...
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1257:
Jamie Jones-Buchanan, England, Leeds Rhinos and BBC Sport expert
"I am almost crying. These are the sort of games you want to play in your career."
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1256:
Jon Wells, Former Super League winger and BBC Radio 5 live expert"It revolves around the ruck today whether England win or lose. They need to control the speed and the offloads. The big forwards will push through the England backline and have a quick play-the-ball. Then they have Issac Luke running at them. They need to slow that down."
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1256:
The teams are in the tunnel. Captain Kevin Sinfield looks hugely focused at the front of the England line. And here they come...
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1255:
Jamie Peacock, Former England captain and BBC Sport expert"We came up short in 2008 but I expect England to go one better today. A good start is key and no mistakes for them to get themselves in the contest."
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1253:
Brian Noble, Former Great Britain coach and BBC Sport expert
"A change in direction is a worry for a big game but this team is strong and having the right 24 in the squad is the key. Sometimes there are changes in a team because of injuries.
"Rangi [Chase] is an impulsive player but I think today some of the more fundamental things will get England over the line. If they want a big play they still have enough players to do that."
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1252:TEAM NEWS RECAP
England: Tomkins; Charnley, Cudjoe, Watkins, Hall; Widdop, Sinfield (c); Graham, Roby, S. Burgess, Ferres, Westwood, O'Loughlin.
Replacements: Burrow, G. Burgess, Hill, Ablett.
New Zealand: Locke; Tuivasa-Sheck, Whare, Goodwin, Nightingale; Foran, Johnson; Waerea-Hargreaves, Luke, Bromwich, Mannering (c), Williams, Taylor.
Replacements: Nuuausala, Kasiano, Matulino, Glenn.
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1251:
Jamie Peacock, Former England captain and BBC Sport expert
"Kevin Sinfield is a fantastic leader, fantastic captain and crucial for England. His ability to be in the right places will be important to England. He turns the momentum of the game around for his side and the kicking game will be extremely important."
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1250:TEN MINUTES TO KICK-OFF
Both sets of players are pacing around in their respective Wembley dressing rooms, taking a final few deep breaths. Kick-off is nearly upon us.
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1249:ROUTE TO THE SEMI-FINAL: NEW ZEALAND
Qualified as Group B winners:
New Zealand 56-10 Papua New Guinea
Quarter-final: New Zealand 40-4 Scotland
Top try scorer: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (6)
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1248:ROUTE TO THE SEMI-FINAL: ENGLAND
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1247:
Brian Noble, Former Great Britain coach and BBC Sport expert
"You have to have a team effort against New Zealand. They have some talented individuals and it needs to be a team defensive effort but I fully expect that from England today."
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1245:
New Zealand coach Stephen Kearney: "It is a great opportunity for everyone involved and we have a chance of getting into the final and the lads are looking forward to it.
"We can only deal with what's put in front of us. We've had areas where we've needed to improve and we've done that. We understand what's in front of us today and we've prepared accordingly.
"Sometimes things happen in the camp and England had a couple of issues but they have got better and better each week and it sometimes binds the team. We are under no illusions on what we expect to come up against today."
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Rosalind Buckley: "Players are warming up & Wembley is filling up."
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1243:
Paul Fletcher, BBC Sport at Wembley
"New Zealand were out 40 minutes before kick-off going through their warm-up routines. Ice-cool England left it till the 30 minutes to go mark before they appeared. Very chilly here, lots of woolly hats on show as fans make their way into the stadium. I would not exactly say the place is over-flowing with optimism about England's prospects. Expectant no, hopeful yes."
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1243:SBW: SUPER BENNIE WESTWOOD
Coming against Williams at Wembley today is 'Super Bennie Westwood', as the England forward is affectionately known by the fans at his club, Warrington Wolves.
"There's no two ways about it - he's a world-class athlete," said Westwood. "The things he does, a lot of people can't do.
"It's exciting. I've never played against him before. It's good to test yourself against the best in the world and that's probably what he is.
"It's one I'll look forward to. I'll try to do my best against the best. It will be a good contest I'm sure."
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Ali Mason: "With Chase and Tomkins we had real creativity available and could utilise the likes of Burgesses and Graham. Widdop seems too safe."
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1241:SBW: SONNY BILL WILLIAMS
A World Cup winner in rugby union, a New Zealand heavyweight boxing champion, and one of the most feared forwards in rugby league.
Sonny Bill Williams came into the tournament as one of the star attractions and has not disappointed with a series of outstanding performances for holders New Zealand.
The 28-year-old has been speaking to BBC Sport ahead of today's semi-final.
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1239:BURGESS BOYS MAKING AN IMPACT
They may be enemies for 80 minutes this afternoon, but New Zealand centre Bryson Goodwin will come up against old friends at Wembley.
Goodwin plays alongside all four Burgess brothers - Luke, Sam, George and Thomas - at South Sydney Rabbitohs.
Sam and George are included in England's 17-man squad today after outstanding seasons in the NRL.
"They have made a massive impact in Australia," Goodwin told BBC Sport. "They have all played excellent rugby this year and are only young boys, so will just get better and better, which is a good thing for Souths.
"They love Australia, they are great characters to be around and it will be good against them. It is always fun playing against your club team-mates and I'm excited about it."
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1238:
Jon Wilkin, England, St Helens and BBC Sport expert
"Gareth Widdop has come in from the NRL and he will bring in some composure and consistency with a great kicking game to complement captain Kevin Sinfield.
"They have trained together in South Africa, developed a relationship and the key to a half-back is how you work with others.
"There won't be an issue with him today and there is a lot of motivation for him to do well. He will feel aggrieved he hasn't played enough in the tournament so far."
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1236:
Jamie Jones-Buchanan, England, Leeds Rhinos and BBC Sport expert
"I believe more than anybody else in this stadium that England will do the job today, I have no doubt about it. They have not performed exceptionally well in the tournament so far but today they have something big to build up for. So many of the boys want this game so desperately."
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1235:
England coach Steve McNamara: "We are at international level and we have have had tough selections all throughout the tournaments, and I feel Gareth Widdop is right for this match.
"We've got to focus on the way we want to play. Gareth has been very patient and I'm really looking forward to seeing him play.
"It will be a great game. We will be challenged, they will be too in a big arena. Both teams will play well today and there will be some fine margins. We've got to make sure we're on the right side of those margins."
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1235:
Time to hear from some of the key men involved today, and assess where the first of today's semi-finals will be won and lost...
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Tom Camplin: If Rangi Chase didn't have the mentality of Joey Barton he would be a great player... Good squad today.
Still time for you to have your say via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or text...
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1231:THE BURGESS BOYS - GET INSPIRED
Understandably, there was lots of attention on England's Burgess brothers leading up to the World Cup.
Sam, George and Thomas are all in the national squad, while eldest sibling Luke narrowly missed out on selection.
The quartet, who play in Australia's NRL for South Sydney Rabbitohs, come from humble beginnings in Yorkshire and have suffered personal tragedy at a young age, losing their father to Motor Neurone Disease.
As part of the BBC's Get Inspired series, the Burgess boys tell the story of their rise to the top of rugby league.
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1229:THIRTY MINUTES TO KICK OFF
Just half an hour to go until the first of our Wembley double-header gets under way as England take on New Zealand. Live coverage is about to begin on BBC One and 5 live sports extra.
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1228:CAN ENGLAND GAIN REVENGE?
Warrington forward Ben Westwood, another of the defeated England side from 2008, added: "We've been working for the last three or four years towards this World Cup.
"New Zealand are a top-quality side with some dangerous players, but in one-off games anything can happen.
"It's about who turns up on the day. In the last World Cup, New Zealand turned up both days and ended up winning."
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1227:CAN ENGLAND GAIN REVENGE?
Rob Burrow is one of four survivors in the England team that lost to New Zealand at the semi-final stage five years ago.
Speaking ahead of today's rematch with the Kiwis, Leeds Rhinos man Burrow recalled: "It was a disappointing exit last time.
"We're in a similar situation now. We probably never really played massively well in that tournament and I still think we're improving in this, so it's very similar."
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1224:FLASHBACK TO 2008
If England need any inspiration ahead of today's semi-final against New Zealand, all they need to do is look back five years and to the same stage of the last World Cup in Australia.
Their hopes of success in 2008 were ended after a 32-22 defeat by the Kiwis in Brisbane.
While England contemplated what might have been, Stephen Kearney's side went on to win the competition.
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1221:ENGLAND'S WEMBLEY ADVANTAGE?
Wembley is familiar territory for a number of England players, many of them having appeared at the stadium in Challenge Cup finals over the past few years.
Sean O'Loughlin, a Challenge Cup winner with Wigan in August, is sure the venue will bring the best out of Steve McNamara's men.
"We know we can get a lot better and I think playing at Wembley will get a lot more out of everyone," said the Warriors skipper, who scored a try in England's quarter-final win over France a week ago.
"I think the venue itself can get the better of you sometimes, but there are a lot of players in the squad who have been there - the Wigan, Warrington and Leeds lads have all played there [in Challenge Cup finals].
"I wouldn't say they're familiar with it, but they've been there and I think it could be a bit of an advantage."
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1217:NIGHTINGALE GETS THE NOD
New Zealand's main selection concern this week was on the wing, and with Manu Vatuvei ruled out with a groin problem, Jason Nightingale will start for the Kiwis at Wembley.
Coach Stephen Kearney has faith in the St George Illawarra man to be a more than able replacement.
"There was a chance that he [Vatuvei] could have been right for Saturday but we would have had to wait right up until the last minute," said Kearney, who led New Zealand to World Cup success in 2008.
"With what's at stake, I wanted to give Jason Nightingale a full week's preparation on the wing, so he could get his mind around playing.
"I know Jason is a tremendous footballer and it's certainly hard to leave him off your team list when you're picking a team. He'll do a wonderful job for us."
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1215:
Paul Fletcher, BBC Sport at Wembley
"It was a beautiful, crisp morning at Wembley Stadium. It briefly - and ominously - clouded over but the sun is shining once again. Fans were making their way off the tubes hours before kick-off and there is a real buzz around the stadium with a crowd pushing 70,000 expected. I even spotted some fans draped in Russian flags. Niche market that one.
"England players were out on the pitch, throwing a ball around, not long after 11:00 GMT as they soaked in the atmosphere and attempted to grasp the magnitude of the games that lies in front of them. Sam Tomkins was particularly busy, pulling of all kinds of deft flicks, some of which reached their intended target!"
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1213:WHO IS GARETH WIDDOP?
The 24-year-old was born in Halifax, West Yorkshire before moving to Melbourne with his family at the age of 16 and is not unfamiliar with the big game, having won the NRL Premiership with Melbourne Storm in 2012.
A horrific dislocated hip suffered in June put his World Cup chances in doubt, but he made a remarkable recovery and starts at six for England today.
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1210:
In his pre-match media conference, head coach Steve McNamara indicated that Rangi Chase had failed to make enough of an impact in England's quarter-final victory against France in Wigan last weekend, and revealed the player had asked to be given time away from the squad.
"I was happy to grant that so he's back at home with his family," said McNamara. "We'll let him have the weekend at home, and then when we get back into camp next week, all things being well, he'll be with us.
"Each time you pick an international team, it's tough. It's based on what I think is right for the team this week going into this game, the way we want to play this game, and based a little bit on performance - certainly [from] last week.
"There's no issue whatsoever for me with him [Chase]. He wasn't picked. People deal with that in different ways."
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1208:GET INVOLVED
Rangi Chase was the surprise omission from Steve McNamara's 19-man squad for today's World Cup semi-final against the Kiwis.
New Zealand-born Chase, who will join Salford Red Devils next season, had started all four of England's games at the tournament.
What do you think? Has McNamara made the right choice by pairing Kevin Sinfield and Gareth Widdop in the halves?
Plenty of ways for you to get in touch: use #bbcrl on Twitter, post a message on BBC Sport's Facebook page or text 81111.
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1206:TEAM NEWS
England: Sam Tomkins; Josh Charnley, Leroy Cudjoe, Kallum Watkins, Ryan Hall; Gareth Widdop, Kevin Sinfield (c); James Graham, James Roby, Sam Burgess, Brett Ferres, Ben Westwood, Sean O'Loughlin.
Replacements: Rob Burrow, George Burgess, Chris Hill, Carl Ablett.
New Zealand: Kevin Locke; Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Dean Whare, Bryson Goodwin, Jason Nightingale; Kieran Foran, Shaun Johnson; Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Issac Luke, Jesse Bromwich, Simon Mannering (c), Sonny Bill Williams, Elijah Taylor.
Replacements: Frank-Paul Nuuausala, Sam Kasiano, Ben Matulino, Alex Glenn.
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1204:
England fans will have woken up to news of another Ashes horror show this morning. The cricket team have been battered and bruised in Brisbane. Can the rugby league side help to restore some national pride and reach a World Cup final?
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1202:
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1201:RUGBY LEAGUE WORLD CUP ON THE BBC
The first of today's double-header in the capital - England v New Zealand - is live on BBC One from 12:30 GMT.
That game kicks off at 13:00 GMT, while at 15:30 GMT, it's Australia v Fiji - you can find live audio commentary of both games on 5 live sports extra and the BBC Sport website.
You can also listen to audio commentary and follow the action using the new BBC Sport mobile app.
Or, if words are your thing, you can stick with me. The choice is yours.
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1200:
We have an exact repeat of the World Cup semi-final line-up from 2008. On that occasion, New Zealand and Australia progressed.
Can we expect a different outcome on the hallowed turf of Wembley? BBC Sport is the best place to find out...
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1200:
So 14 teams began and only four remain. For England, New Zealand, Australia and Fiji, a spot in next week's World Cup final is just 80 minutes away...
Scores, Results & Fixtures
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Listen to audio Live England v New Zealand
World Cup semi-final, Sat 23 Nov, 12:30 GMT, BBC Radio 5 live sports extra
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Listen to audio Australia v Fiji
World Cup semi-final, Sat 23 Nov, 15:00 GMT, BBC Radio 5 live sports extra
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Watch video World Cup Forum
Rugby League, Sat 16 Nov, 22:00 GMT, BBC Red Button
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Watch video Rugby League World Cup
Highlights, Sun 24 Nov, 16:00 GMT, BBC Two
Rugby League Tweets
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Great defensive start boys. Keep your heads #bbcrl
George Riley 11 minutes agoJump out of Tweet pane
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Wembley - Choir singing Elbow's One Day Like This - some London 2012 magic for the England players? #bbcrl
Paul Fletcher 41 minutes agoJump out of Tweet pane -
Wembley. Potential key player today - Rob Burrow? Fast and slippery, off the bench to good effect against tiring Kiwis? #bbcrl
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