Rugby World Cup: England defeat New Zealand in semi-final
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England have defeated New Zealand in the first semi-final of the Rugby World Cup.
They now head into the final of the tournament - the side's first Rugby World Cup final in 12 years - where they will meet either Wales or South Africa.
New Zealand are the current champions and had been favourites to win the game, having been unbeaten in World Cups since 2007.
However, England started the match strongly, with Manu Tuilagi scoring a try within the first two minutes!
Just over halfway through the first half, England's Underhill had a try ruled out. But England led the game going into the second half 10-0, after a late penalty scored by George Ford (as Owen Farrell was struggling with a leg injury).
This is very un-All-Black-like at the moment. There's some pockets of excellence, as usual, but they're making mistakes in the backfield.
Just five minutes into the second half, England received a further blow when a second try was ruled out.
"You felt that was the game right there and then - that would have been a 17-point lead and no way back for the All Blacks. But it was a good spot, it did go forward," commented former England player and World Cup winner Matt Dawson.
Five minutes after the second disallowed try, George Ford added three points to the score with a penalty, putting England 13-0 ahead.
"Without a shadow of a doubt, the All Blacks have to score next. If England go to 16 or 20, it's game done," added Matt.
And score next New Zealand did in the 57th minute of the game, with a converted try from All Blacks flanker Ardie Savea.
But England were quick to respond, adding a further six points to their total with two more penalties from George Ford, taking the score to 19-7, with ten minutes to go.
[New Zealand] have been demolished up front, and this England pack have been utterly superb.
While New Zealand kept trying to battle through England's defence, it was too little too late.
The clock ran down, the gong went and England are into the final of the Rugby World Cup.
Former New Zealand fly-half Andrew Mehrtens told 91Èȱ¬ Radio 5 live: "England were absolutely outstanding from one to 23. Yes, they made the odd mistake, but they were just huge."
Did you watch the match - what did you think of it? Can England go all the way, or will Wales or South Africa be crowned champions? Let us know in the comments below!
You can watch the second semi-final when Wales take on South Africa on ITV at 9am tomorrow morning.
Henry Slade could have been in trouble after a tackle on New Zealand wing Sevu Reece as he raced towards the try line, but he was cleared
The New Zealand players looked visibly shocked and disappointed with the result, following the final whistle
Former England player and Rugby World Cup winner Ben Cohen posted his support for England on social media at the end of the first half
- Published31 October 2019
- Published21 October 2019
