Niël Terblanché
ENGLAND demolished New Zealand’s hopes to lift the Web Ellis Cup for a third consecutive time by beating them with a relentless onslaught that resulted in a final score of 19 – 7 in the first semi-final match of the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
The resounding victory means England will play in a Rugby World Cup final for the first time in 12 years after dethroning the three-time world champions New Zealand in Yokohama.
The English stormed into a 10 – 0 lead after Manu Tuilagi scored a try two minutes into the first half and a long-range penalty kick from George Ford.
The men from England could have had more points on the score board if Sam Underhill and Ben Youngs’ ventures behind the try line had not been ruled out by referee Nigel Owens.
The All Blacks’ only try came from Ardie Savea who pounced on a wayward line-out throw to score.
Mistakes by the former world champions provided the opportunity for Ford to convert a trio of penalties putting the English in a comfortable lead to hold on to until the final whistle blew.
The All Blacks had not lost a World Cup game in 12 years and had won 15 of the last 16 games against the English.
The next semi-final clash between South Africa and Wales will kick off in Yokohama on Sunday setting up the English with an excellent chance at glory in next weekend’s final.
