A new-look England restored national pride but it was the awesome Australians who reaffirmed their status as Rugby League's No 1 side with a stunning success in the inaugural Gillette Four Nations.
France joined the game's big three and though Bobbie Goulding's team didn't claim a scalp, they did give England a mighty scare in the opening clash at Doncaster.
World champions New Zealand and Australia shared the spoils in a brutal opening clash and it meant if England could beat the Kiwis they would face Australia in the final at Leeds. With youngsters Sam Tomkins and Kyle Eastmond paired at half-back and mighty Sam Burgess in rampaging form, England sealed a famous victory.
The Kangaroos, inspired by skipper Darren Lockyer, had earlier beaten England but only after surviving a thrilling second half onslaught by the host nation.
In the final at
Elland RoadEngland started well and with Burgess again outstanding they led with just over a quarter of the game to play. Unfortunately
England could not hang on but they - and the rest of the rugby world now knows -
England are back!
The Four Nations - Pride Restored features highlights from EVERY game of the tournament including England's fantastic victory over world champions, New Zealand. But they - and the rest of world rugby - now knows England are back!
