It is 12 years since New Zealand last lost a World Cup game but England will be energised, not cowed, by the looming challenge
To be hailed as a truly great tournament this Rugby World Cup needs at least one epic knockout occasion. And here it comes, thundering out of the tunnel at full throttle with its headlights blazing bright. It is 12 years since New Zealand last lost a World Cup game but their onrushing semi-final with England could prove an era-defining fixture.
Dodge the approaching white bullet train and the All Blacks will be just 80 minutes away from becoming the first team in history to win three consecutive Webb Ellis Cups. The final would still await but, having beaten South Africa in the pool stages and not lost to Wales for 66 years, there would be legitimate grounds for optimism. Win again and, with three World Cup successes, captain Kieran Read, Sam Whitelock and Sonny Bill Williams would even edge beyond all-time greats like Richie McCaw and Dan Carter.
Written by Robert Kitson in Tokyo
This news first appeared on https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/oct/25/england-new-zealand-all-blacks-rugby-world-cup under the title “An era-defining epic: England and All Blacks braced for semi-final battle | Robert Kitson”. Bolchha Nepal is not responsible or affiliated towards the opinion expressed in this news article.
