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<\/p>\nEngland and New Zealand faced off in a colossal Rugby World Cup (RWC) semi-final tie with both teams tipped to go all the way if they progress.<\/p>\n
England came into the game on a run of fine form, having improved dramatically from their somewhat disappointing Six Nations earlier this year.<\/p>\n
Before kick-off, they were 3-3 in World Cup games against the All Blacks, but if any team can beat them, it\u2019s this England team.<\/p>\n
New Zealand, fresh off their heavy dismantling of Ireland, would have been aware that a more complete team awaits.<\/p>\n
Having laughed off Eddie Jones\u2019 earlier comments on spying, Steve Hansen was confident his men could do what\u2019s needed.<\/p>\n
They also hoped to put the even RWC record between the two in their favour.<\/p>\n
England had a very bright start with fantastic play.<\/p>\n
A Tuilagi try was the end product for a tremendous display of passing, which Farrell converted.<\/p>\n
Farrell seemed to further set an early tone, turning it over with a brilliant rip out of All Black hands.<\/p>\n
England pushed into the All Black 22 with a kick.<\/p>\n
A failed kick by Elliot Daly forced some fantastic defending from Jack Goodhue.<\/p>\n
New Zealand looked set to punish the English with a turnover, but Tuilagi intercepted brilliantly, leading to Jonny May getting into the 22.<\/p>\n
A penalty was given away when they lost possession, Itoje tackling high to stop the counter.<\/p>\n
England sped into the New Zealand 22 after a fantastic Maro Itoje turnover, but lost the ball through a turnover as soon as they reached the 22.<\/p>\n
New Zealand looked to punish with every attack, but England were quick in defence.<\/p>\n
Another fantastic England play led to Sam Underhill breaking the line and getting the try. A TMO check for a dummy runner ruled it out, however.<\/p>\n
A George Ford kick led to New Zealand barging into England\u2019s 22 with some great offloading.<\/p>\n
Itoje won the lineout to help clear for England.<\/p>\n
George Ford couldn\u2019t make it 10-0 after a subpar drop goal attempt.<\/p>\n
England kicked tactically to pressure New Zealand and gain more control in the game.<\/p>\n
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New Zealand looked to provide a deadly finish to the first half, but England\u2019s fantastic defence prevailed and forced a penalty.<\/p>\n
An unbelievable eight turnovers won in the first half.<\/p>\n
George Ford added three from deep to give England a 10-0 lead to take into the second half.<\/p>\n
Ford had an early chance in the second half to add three more but couldn\u2019t pull it off.<\/p>\n
English pressure forced a penalty in the All Black 22.<\/p>\n
An interception by Reece threw a play into danger, but Ben Youngs intercepted Reece\u2019s offload to keep the momentum with England.<\/p>\n
Youngs then got over the line after some fantastic maul work.<\/p>\n
A TMO check discovered an accidental forward pass in the maul, and the try was cancelled.<\/p>\n
Sinckler came off after another fantastic game, replaced by Dan Cole.<\/p>\n
England\u2019s constant pressure gave Ford an easy three points, England\u2019s first points of the second half.<\/p>\n
The tactical kicking continued to lump pressure on the All Blacks, with Maro Itoje\u2019s lineout dominance making the two the perfect combo for gaining ground.<\/p>\n
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Sevu Reece was left open after a brilliant pass from Sonny Bill Williams, but Tuilagi managed to get across and stop his run.<\/p>\n
Ardie Savea got over the line after a smart lineout went to the openside, who had an easy path to the line.<\/p>\n
Mo\u2019unga made it seven, and New Zealand were back in it.<\/p>\n
England looked to respond quickly, Underhill starting a move with a monstrous tackle to turnover, but Ford dropped it at an important moment.<\/p>\n
Ford added three onto the board to redeem himself and widen the gap.<\/p>\n
Youngs came off after a fine game, replaced by Heinz for the final 15 minutes or so.<\/p>\n
Whitelock was penalised for an off-the-ball incident on Owen Farrell, who\u2019s been on the receiving end of a number of them this RWC.<\/p>\n
Ford put three more up with another brilliant kick from a distance, giving England a 12-point lead.<\/p>\n
New Zealand powered forward into England\u2019s 22 but more resilient defending won England another penalty.<\/p>\n
Tuilagi was replaced with rapturous applause, Jonathan Joseph taking his place.<\/p>\n
Another penalty granted Ford the opportunity to put three more on the board, but he couldn\u2019t make it, not that it mattered as the game was already over.<\/p>\n
England enters their third RWC final as favourites.<\/p>\n
They\u2019ll face either Wales or South Africa with a bone to pick with both \u2013 Wales beat them to the Six Nations this year while the ghost of 2007 will linger against South Africa.<\/p>\n
Their resolute defending, namely Itoje and Underhill, and deadly attack, courtesy of Youngs and Tuilagi, as well as brilliant kicking from Ford will make both teams fear them.<\/p>\n
Steve Hansen\u2019s New Zealand career will end with a third-place play-off after being humbled by the English.<\/p>\n
They\u2019ll be favourites to claim third but will be dissatisfied as they hoped to make it three-in-a-row. England made them look average.<\/p>\n
A fantastic game of rugby that brings a fresh change of scenery for the final. Today, England showed the world how you beat New Zealand, offering an exhibition in near-perfect rugby.<\/p>\n
What a RWC, but what a team Eddie Jones has.<\/p>\n
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