Updated: 2024
The 2019 Rugby World Cup has been full of incredible, unprecedented drama. The semi-finals bring us yet another classic tale as the northern and the southern hemisphere go toe-to-toe. What should we expect in the matches? Let’s take a look.
England V New Zealand
Saturday, October 26
International Stadium, Yokohama.
About England
While everything else, including history, seems to be against England, the team has proven that it shouldn’t be dismissed before kick-off. England will carry enough confidence through their ranks to trouble the All Blacks. With their talisman Owen Farell back at fly-half, they will be looking to perfect their kicks and put pressure on the opponents’ wings and full-back. Their backs are well able to up their speed and tempo to hurt the opponents’ line. The forwards will also be keen to bring their power game to maintain possession and control territory, which can suffocate the All Blacks – who rely on possession.
About New Zealand
New Zealand is the tournament favorites, and we’re imposing in their win over Ireland at the quarters. The All Blacks will be well prepared for England’s power game and will take the game to the opponents, the same strategy they employed against Ireland. They will look to wait for the play to be unstructured patiently. They will deny the opponents a chance to take the lead and try to build theirs through their immaculate backs, who will look to capitalize on the opponents’ poor discipline and handling errors.
