Who'd have thought it ?
England's rugby union team went into the current World Cup tournament as one of the top teams but New Zealand were thought by most to be all but unbeatable. Winners of the last 2 tournaments, the all-powerful All Blacks have dominated rugby union for decades and, despite the, very, occasional defeat, have been the "team to beat" for as long as I can remember. Today, they were not only beaten, they were outplayed in a manner I've never previously seen.
A World Cup semi-final is a game that no one wants to lose, least of all a team that hadn't lost a match at the World Cup since 2007. New Zealand came into the game today as favourites and yet it was England who took control from the very start and never let up. They played like a team possessed, never allowing the champions time or space; they dominated their opponents in every aspect of the game, every corner of the field. Quite simply, they were brilliant.
If England can repeat such a performance in next Saturday's final, they will almost certainly be lifting the trophy at its end. Whether they play Wales or South Africa, whose semi-final takes place tomorrow, it will make no difference. The England that turned up today were at a level no England team has previously reached; repeat that performance and they will be unbeatable. The only question is whether they can do it again.
Around 11 o'clock next Saturday morning, we'll know the answer.
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