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Rugby League World Cup | Semi-Finals
Nov 23, 2013 at 1pm UK
 
New Zealand
20-18
England
Tuivasa-Sheck (31', 43'), Johnson (80')
FT
O'Laughlin (17'), Watkins (58'), Burgess (66')

Last-gasp New Zealand beat England to reach final

New Zealand score a try in the last minute of their Rugby League World Cup semi-final against England to reach the final.

Defending champions New Zealand have sealed a place in the final of the Rugby League World Cup with a last-gasp try against England at Wembley Stadium this afternoon.

Shaun Johnson of New Zealand celebrates converting the winning try with the last kick of the game during the Rugby League World Cup Semi Final match between New Zealand and England at Wembley Stadium on November 23, 2013© Getty Images

The host nation had to hold off an early surge by the reigning champions, and were able to break the deadlock after 15 minutes, as Sam Burgess set Sean O'Loughlin up for the opening try.

However, the Kiwis hit back before the break as Dean Whare managed to shake off Ryan Hall before passing to Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who powered over for his seventh try of the tournament.

Brett Ferres of England knocks on as he is challenged by Shaun Johnson and Roger Tuivasa-Scheck of New Zealand during the Rugby League World Cup Semi Final match between New Zealand and England at Wembley Stadium on November 23, 2013© Getty Images

Tuivasa-Sheck put New Zealand ahead for the first time shortly after the restart, adding his second try of the match.

However, Kevin Sinfield found Leeds Rhinos teammate Kallum Watkins, who was able to dive over the line to close the gap, before a Sam Burgess effort inside the final 15 minutes restored England's lead.

England's Kallum Watkins scores a try during the 2013 Rugby League World Cup semi-final match between England and New Zealand at Wembley Stadium in London on November 23, 2013© Getty Images

New Zealand pressed hard in the final moments of the match as they tried to get back on level terms, and the pressure paid off as Shaun Johnson slipped through a gap to level the scores, before chipping the conversion over to clinch the win.

New Zealand will face either Australia or Fiji in the final.

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Ryan Hall of England slides over the line to score his second try during the Rugby League World Cup Quarter Final match between England and France at DW Stadium on November 16, 2013
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