Late lunge gives Brown appetite to tackle Aussies

KEVIN BROWN has vowed to enjoy every minute of the biggest game of his life next Saturday after his late lunge helped to secure England’s place in the World Cup final.

Nobody knows better than stand-off Brown how close they came to blowing their chance. Tonga’s Andrew Fifita looked to be on an unstoppable charge to the line for a sensational last-gasp winning try until Brown’s desperate intervention checked the giant prop and Elliott Whitehead then got a crucial touch.

The duo’s efforts caused Fifita to knock on and even though he picked the ball up again and went over, the try was disallowed by referee Matt Cecchin.

“We were running on empty and I threw everything into his legs and Elliott did the same and luckily for us he dropped the ball,” said Brown. “It was one of the happiest moments of my life seeing the referee call time.

“Getting to the World Cup final is the biggest thing in my sporting career by a mile. If we win that I will be a happy man.”

Final opponents Australia will be rubbing their hands at the thought of how fragile England proved they can be once again.

Their defence was top drawer for 70 minutes and they held a deserved 20-0 lead after tries from Jermaine McGillvary, Gareth Widdop and John Bateman. WE DID IT: Brown and Ryan Hall celebrate victory