Even the most ardent Irish fan has to admit that England's performance against New Zealand in today's World Cup semi-final was absolutely brilliant. Itoje, Ford, Farrell, Underhill, Curry ... the list goes on, every player stood up and was counted.
The final score read 19-7 but indeed it could have been more but for a couple of disallowed tries and line-out malfunction that gifted New Zealand their only score of the game. Speaking after the match, the All Black's captain, Kieran Read was gracious in defeat and complimented the English display.
"We'll look at the game and we'll see so many what ifs, and things we could have done a lot better."
FT: England 19-7 New Zealand.
New Zealand captain Kieran Read and England skipper Owen Farrell reflect on today's #RWC2019 semi-final at #RWCYokohama.#ENGvNZL pic.twitter.com/mG1joTpTr9— eir Sport (@eirSport) October 26, 2019
At the final whistle, pretty much everybody paid tribute to their performance.
"England took away New Zealand's primary possession, and they couldn't get into the game."@Gordonwdarcy, @stringer9 and @lougalvin4 give their snap analysis after England's stunning 19-7 #RWC2019 semi-final victory over New Zealand in #RWCYokohama.#ENGvNZL pic.twitter.com/7JuNBnYjzY
— eir Sport (@eirSport) October 26, 2019
That was one of the most polished team performances you could ever see. England with incredible fitness levels, timed to perfection. #RWC2019
— P̴h̴i̴l̴i̴e̴ W̶o̶l̶f̶e̶ (@PhilieWolfe) October 26, 2019
The best team won.
I wish we'd been better, but we were brilliantly outplayed. Forensically, architecturally, passionately and brilliantly.
England deserved it.
What a total and utter bummer.— John Campbell (@JohnJCampbell) October 26, 2019
Yes! #ENGvNZL pic.twitter.com/Ut3usz2Qar
— Ross Kemp (@RossKemp) October 26, 2019
England deserve this. No doubt. Well done. #ENGvNZL
— Bill Woods (@bmrwoods) October 26, 2019
In fairness @EnglandRugby just totally awesome - gifted AB their only try & had two disallowed themselves. Think I'd have thrown Beauden B up to 10 in 2nd half - worth a gamble? Itoje MOM for me #ENGvsNZ #RWC2019JAPAN
— clíona foley (@ponyyelof) October 26, 2019
0 - Only once before have New Zealand failed to score a point in the first half of a @rugbyworldcup game - against Australia in the 1991 semi-final (trailed 13-0 at HT). Rattled.#RWC2019 #ENGvNZL pic.twitter.com/4GduBhEl2t
— OptaJonny (@OptaJonny) October 26, 2019
Think that is that, what a performance England - All Blacks first loss in 12 years at a World Cup!
— Tommy Bowe (@TommyBowe) October 26, 2019
On the day in knock out rugby...... Congrats to @EnglandRugby who were absolutely superb @rugbyworldcup #RWC19
— Stephen Ferris (@StephenFerris6) October 26, 2019
I’m already an expert on this rugby malarchy, and confidently predict that England will beat the Germans in the final. Come On England.
— Gary Lineker 💙💛 (@GaryLineker) October 26, 2019
