Huddersfield Giants second-rower Brett Ferres thinks England need to iron out their mistakes if they are to mount a serious challenge against New Zealand in this week’s semi-final.
The 27-year-old came off the bench in England’s quarter-final victory against France on Saturday, scoring the last try of the game in a classy move involving James Roby and Rangi Chase.
“No disrespect to France but they weren’t the best opposition,” said Ferres.
“We allowed our standards to slip and it was disappointing we couldn’t put a full 80 minute performance in, which would have stood us in good stead for next week.
“We are trying but errors and ill discipline with the ball and some slackness in defence didn’t do us any favours, we are striving for perfection and it takes some time to get to.”
The former Castleford man now has three tries in the 2013 World Cup and was understandably frustrated to start the quarter-final on the bench.
“I was a bit disappointed that I didn’t start tonight, I think I’ve gone alright in the previous games but it’s what’s best for the team and Steve [McNamara, coach] decided I could make an impact off the bench and, hopefully, I did that,” he said.
Ferres is now very much focused on the semi-final against New Zealand and playing against some of the world’s best.
“I can’t wait for the chance to come up against Sonny Bill,” he said.
“I want to play against the best in the world and he is certainly up there, it’s a challenge every week to get in the side and to face quality like that is something I want to do and will make me a better player.”
