Wales in form to face England

Wales had a comfortable preparation for their formidable task against England in the Four Nations as they beat Ireland 30-6 in Neath.

Andrew Gay, Christian Roets, Mark Lennon, Elliot Kear and Jordan James were the try-scorers, with only Tim Bergin replying for the young Irish side.

Wales now face England at Leigh on Saturday in the opening round of the tournament. The English coach, Steve McNamara, has hinted at changes for that match, despite a 32-18 win in France in their warm-up match on Friday night.

New caps Rangi Chase and Jack Reed impressed on attack, but both players were critical of their own defensive efforts.

The second-string England Knights beat Cumbria 26-12. Zak Hardaker scored the only try of a tight first half, but Luke Gale and the Hull KR pair, Kris Welham and Liam Watts, helped the Knights to pull away in the second.

Josh Charnley scored the final try, but Richie Mathers was the Knights' man of the match for the second time in a week.

Kyle Amor and Brad Singleton claimed the tries in a Cumbrian performance praised for its bravery by the Knights' coach, Kieron Purtill. Lebanon remained on course for a World Cup place with a 36-0 win over Russia.

Glenn Morrison is to stay with Wakefield in a player-coach role.