If there is one thing England must do if they are going to beat New Zealand and reach the World Cup final it is to deny them quick ball. Ireland were not able to do that in the first half and New Zealand had a field day. The game was in effect over by half-time because the All Blacks bossed the breakdown.
I have 100% belief that England are capable of that. It is not entirely reliant on Tom Curry and Sam Underhill but judging by their performances against Australia they are more than able to deny New Zealand the kind of ball they thrive on. It is not always turnovers – it is often just slowing the ball down because that has such an impact on the depth of the opposition’s attack. Ireland could not do that because the All Black back-row trio of Sam Cane, Kieran Read and Ardie Savea were totally dominant. I thought Read in particular answered all those questioning his form, as shown when he blasted through Rory Best from a standing start.
Written by Nick Evans
This news first appeared on https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2019/oct/21/all-blacks-england-power-game-world-cup-semifinal under the title “If All Blacks can douse England’s power, will Jones’s men be able to react? | Nick Evans”. Bolchha Nepal is not responsible or affiliated towards the opinion expressed in this news article.
