Up to a dozen Great Britain players overcame illness to open their account in the Gillette Tri-Nations Series.

The full extent of the stomach bug that swept through Britain's training camp in the build-up to Saturday's clash with New Zealand was revealed yesterday.

The Lions were clearly under the weather throughout the first half at Huddersfield's Galpharm Stadium but dug deep to overturn a 12-2 interval deficit and stay on course for the November 27 final at Elland Road.

''I had it earlier in the week,'' said Iestyn Harris. ''It went through the whole camp but hopefully it's shifted now.

''There were probably about ten or 12 affected by it over the last ten days.

''Let's hope we've shaken it from the squad and we can kick on for the rest of the tournament.''

Harris paid tribute to Great Britain skipper Andrew Farrell, who was one of the players most affected by the Norwalk virus, which had ruled Paul Johnson and Sean O'Loughlin out of the opening game with Australia but insisted on leading out the side.

The Wigan forward also kicked two crucial penalties before being forced off for a second time after taking a heavy blow to the head.

''He was certainly ropy,'' said Harris. ''At half-time I didn't think he would go back on but he's a great character and he stood up to be counted.

''When he took that big knock, you could see his lights were out.''

Britain's victory, which came in the 100th Test match between the two countries, was greeted with relief as much as elation for it has taken some of the pressure off Brian Noble's men as they approach the last two group games.

One more victory will take them through to a showdown with the Kangaroos at Elland Road and Harris, who made a triumphant return to international rugby league, is hoping they can clinch their place at Wigan's JJB Stadium on Saturday.

''We've only won one game,'' he said. ''We need to win one of the next two and we're in the final so it's only half a job done.

''Obviously Australia are through to the final so we've got a little bit more incentive than they have to win the game and that's a big positive for us.''

Britain's prospects looked bleak when they trailed 12-2 at half-time following quickfire tries by Ali Lauitiiti and Sonny Bill Williams, both converted by Brent Webb.

The Kiwis caused all sorts of problems with their famous offload game but their high-risk strategy gradually came unstuck as Britain tightened their defence.

They also found their scoring touch with three tries in the first 12 minutes of the second half to transform the complexion of the game.

Hooker Terry Newton dummied his way over from close range and winger Stuart Reardon crossed twice in four minutes, the second time following a superb break by Danny McGuire, who at last got his chance to shine on the international stage.

With half-backs Sean Long and McGuire getting their kicking game going, Britain imposed a stranglehold and, as the Kiwis lost their discipline, Farrell and Harris made sure of victory by kicking late penalties.

Harris, introduced with 20 minutes left and with the match tantalisingly balanced at 16-12, provided the steadying influence on his first Great Britain appearance for five years to ensure there was no repeat of the late lapse against Australia.

He also became the team's third-choice goalkicker, despite a complete lack of practice.

''It was the first kick I've taken for about three months,'' he revealed.

''I haven't even practised. Scully missed a couple and his confidence had gone a little bit.

''It was good to get 20 minutes under my belt at international level, it's been a while.

''The ship just needed steadying a bit. The scores were close and we just needed to play percentage rugby league and keep the play down at their end.

''We played reasonably well in the first half and they scored a couple of breakaway tries which didn't really reflect the game.

''But we didn't panic, which is probably a new thing for Great Britain because normally we do panic.

''There are a lot of strong characters in the side. We've come through a tough test now and, hopefully, we can be bigger and stronger from this.''

* England coach Karl Harrison was critical of French referee Richard Frileux for his performance in his side's 36-12 victory over Ireland in yesterday's European Nations Cup final at Warrington.

The Super League youngsters were heading for a runaway win when they led 24-0 after 24 minutes but the plucky Irish stemmed the onslaught and shared the points in a competitive second half.

''I thought we looked a class apart but the game was allowed to slow down and I don't think the official helped matters,'' said Harrison.

''We needed a Super League referee to allow the game to flow which is what people wanted to see.

''Ireland encroached the 10 metres, which they were allowed to do, and slowed the ruck down."