BBC Home
Explore the BBC

CBBC

Sport

Last Updated: Sunday November 01 2009 11:51 GMT

England battle back in Aus defeat

England take on Australia in Wigan

England's rugby league stars almost pulled off a big shock before losing 26-18 to Australia in Wigan.

England staged a brilliant second-half fightback to give the world's best team a scare, after a first half that ended 26-0 to the visitors.

At that point it seemed as if England were on the way to a record defeat, thanks to some brilliant Aussie play.

But after the break the home team came alive, and grabbed tries through Sam Burgess, Gareth Ellis and Lee Smith.

That wasn't enough to give them a win, but will fill the team's fans with hope for the rest of the Four Nations tournament.

England's next match is against New Zealand on 7 November, and if the home side can win that one they'll probably play Australia in the final seven days later.