New Zealand proved too strong for a determined Englandside in their Four Nations clash in Dunedin, with a double from Jason Nightingale and a Manu Vatuvei try proving to be the difference for the hosts.
New Zealand wasted little time getting off the mark, withShaun Johnson finding Nightingale with only two minutes on the clock. The winger leaped well above the defence and planted the ball on the turf near the right-hand touchline.
Ryan Hall got the visitors back into the game with his first try on 7 minutes, and Josh Charnley put England in front after intercepting a pass and placing the ball inside the right corner flag to make it 8-6 to the visitors.
Nightingale soon had the hosts back on top, however, receiving a well timed pass from Dean Whare and racing home. Johnson's conversion was good and New Zealand were back on top going into the break.
Manu Vatuvei, who had gifted England a try in the first half, atoned for his error on 45 minutes after some deft passing with Simon Mannering let him in for a try.
England were dogged, though, and continued to fight back, Ryan Hall taking advantage of another Kiwi mistake and coming in off the wing to bring the score back to within two points.
The game remained close at 16-14 with tensions building as the clock ticked down, Joel Tomkins and Kieran Foran getting involved in a scuffle with a little more than five minutes to go, but there would be no more scoring and New Zealand hung onto their lead to advance to the final.
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