Mastermind Eddie Jones led England to a victory over the All Blacks and a place in the World Cup final on Saturday.
The English beat the New Zealanders 19-7 in what was surely the best performance so far by any team in the tournament.
No one’s name can be more pronounced than that of the lock Maro Itoje.
His tackles, work in the lineouts and breakdowns were nothing short of outstanding.
Similarly, center Manu Tuilagi did not stand back a single meter.
His power runs got his team over the advantage line every time and put the All Blacks’ defense under great pressure.
Make no mistake, both teams will rush to ice baths after the match, with the British, in particular, who have put their bodies on the line as possessed.
From the start, things went in England’s favor when the very Tuilagi burst across the goal within two minutes after his team attacked furiously from the kick-off.
The winning team also kept the All Blacks scoreless for 55 minutes, before Ardie Savea exploited a mistake at the line-out by England and went untouched for his team’s first and only three to make matters 13-7.
George Ford’s reliable kicking shoe strangled life from the All Blacks and after the losing team scored their only points of the match, Ford chased two more penalties through the poles to take the wind out of the New Zealanders’ sails.
Steve Hansen will long be poked about the game plan he implemented for this make-or-break battle.
The New Zealanders’ supporting game was not as good as in the previous games of the tournament and it allowed England to take control.
It was the All Blacks’ fourth loss in a World Cup semi-final.
England will now face the winner between South Africa and Wales next weekend which will be decided on Sunday.
England 19 (10): Three: Manu Tuilagi. Goal kick: Owen Farrell. Penalties: George Ford (4).
New Zealand 7 (0): Three: Ardie Savea. Goal kick: Richie Mo’unga.
