COACH John Kear is confident his England team can turn the tables on an ill-prepared New Zealand in tomorrow's Lincoln World Cup semi-final at Bolton.

While Kiwis captain Richie Barnett admits his side goes into the clash "under done" following a canter through the qualifying stages, England will be battle-hardened after last week's physical encounter with Ireland and the earlier tilt at Australia.

"I think New Zealand will be a little concerned at the ease with which they've progressed," said Kear. "They've not had a physical hit-out.''

Frank Endacott's men have piled up 260 points in their four matches - only four fewer than the rampant Kangaroos - but admit they would have preferred a sterner challenge.

"It's going alright," said Barnett.

"We're not saying we've been playing extremely well because we haven't had a side that has really tested us, which is disappointing.

"We've just got to play what's chucked at us. We've got to be focused."

Nevertheless, New Zealand remain firm favourites to go one better than in 1995 when they were beaten in extra time by Australia in the second semi-final at Huddersfield.

Bradford Bulls stand-off Henry Paul, who played hooker in that match five years ago, rates the current Kiwi side as one of the best ever.

"To be honest, we've not really been tested and what we've been doing is testing ourselves," he said. "That will change tomorrow because England are in great form. They'll really be up for it.

"Our preparation has been OK. In 1995 we struggled against Tonga and PNG but that's not happened this time. We have done exactly what we're supposed to do.

"We're at the knock-out stage now and everyone is desperate. The intensity builds up a level and we've built up with it.

"We're one step away from the final now. There is a good team spirit, in fact it's the best team I've played in."

The Kiwis had a more than useful team two years ago when they overcame a 16-8 interval deficit to thrash the full Great Britain side 36-16 at the same Reebok Stadium.

Full-back Barnett was New Zealand's match-winner that day, running in two tries to help his team secure a first Test Series triumph in Britain for 27 years

The return of St Helens loose-forward Paul Sculthorpe for his first outing of the tournament means that England will have six members of that Great Britain team on duty tomorrow.

If they can atone for their dismal showing in 1998, England could well scupper Kiwi hopes of an all-Antipodean final at Old Trafford tomorrow week.

Endacott has claimed, not without some justification, that his men are the only team capable of halting Australia's march to a sixth consecutive world title.

"They're first and second favourites," acknowledged England captain Andy Farrell. "I don't know if they've earned the right to say that yet but they'll soon find out."