GREAT BRITAIN stepped up their preparations for Saturday's crunch Galpharm clash with New Zealand (6.15) with a behind-closed-doors practice match against England.
Head coach Brian Noble put his squad through their paces against Karl Harrison's young England team, who are in training for Sunday's European Nations Cup final against Ireland at Warrington (1.45).
That made the session at Salford vitally important for both sets of players, with Giants trio Paul Reilly, Eorl Crabtree and Stuart Jones all looking to impress for England to secure Sunday selection.
Great Britain assistant coach Graham Steadman said the exercise was arranged to improve co-ordination and remove the blemishes in last Saturday's 12-8 defeat by Australia.
"I think you saw last week that we were a little bit rusty," said Steadman.
"There's been a big improvement in preparation in terms of our practice and I think this game against England will set things up nicely for an improved performance in Huddersfield."
Britain remain confident that winger Brian Carney, their only injury worry from the opening game, will be fit to play against the Kiwis.
Noble was set to name an 18-strong squad later today and tryscorer Carney is expected to keep his place on the right wing.
The strong-running Irishman, who has not played a full match for more than two months, has undergone hydrotherapy as part of his treatment.
