Great Britain's men's coxless four suffered their first defeat in 30 races but still reached the final of the third World Cup regatta in Lucerne.

With Tom James taking the place of the injured Alex Partridge, they were behind New Zealand in the semi-final.

The double scull of Stephen Rowbotham and Matt Wells and the lightweight men's four both won their semis.

Six boats finished second, including single sculler Alan Campbell, and 11 are through to Olympic-class finals.

New Zealand won the World Cup event in Amsterdam three weeks ago while Britain's top men were racing in an experimental eight.

Back in the four, the Brits were behind off the start and only briefly managed to nose ahead late in the race before a Kiwi surge gave them victory by just over a second.

"We always knew this was going to be a tough regatta", said coach Jurgen Grobler.

"We made a good start [in the heat], but not perfect, and I thought we were a lot better today.

"Big respect, though, to the New Zealand four who have shown much more consistency than last year".

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The British men's eight were second to Canada in a thrilling semi-final with a fast finish.

And double scullers Anna Bebington and Elise Laverick reached the final of their first regatta since Bebington's return from a knee injury.

Campbell was overhauled by Olympic champion Olaf Tufte of Norway in his semi-final.

But he will go on to face world champion Mahe Drysdale - who he beat at Henley a fortnight ago - and current World Cup leader Ondrej Synek on Sunday.

Men's pair Colin Smith and Matt Langridge, winners at the opening World Cup regatta, were fourth in their semi-final and will now race in Sunday's B final.