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Sam Burgess of England breaks through the New Zealand defence - Source: Getty Images -
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An error ridden performance has seen the Kiwis knocked out of the Four Nations league tournament, beaten 20-12 by England in Huddersfield.
After trailing 18-6 at half-time, the Kiwis got right back into the match with a try straight after the break.
But Kevin Sinfield kicked a penalty for England with 10 minutes remaining to boot the hosts into next week's final.
Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney paid credit to England.
Kearney said England were a lot more physical in some aspects and were defensively strong in the first half which took its toll.
For the first time in the Four Nations, England managed to score the first try when the impressive Kyle Eastmond dived over after a bust by powerhouse Sam Burgess.
But the Kiwis always looked dangerous when fullback Lance Hohaia chimed into the backline and winger Bryson Goodwin's 25th minute touchdown put them back on course.
Sam Tomkins kick in broken play handed Peter Fox his England try at 37 minutes but what really did the damage was the winger's second, moments from halftime.
NZ debutant Keiran Foran, usually a five-eighth but playing in
the centres, was caught in no-man's land defensively as Chris
Bridge found his outside man unmarked and man of the match Kevin
Sinfield did well to convert from the sideline.
Earlier, Australia confirmed its place in next week's final with a
42-4 win over France in Paris.
They will meet England in the final.
