England put New Zealand to the sword this morning in Japan.
Eddie Jones' men stunned the Champions from before the opening whistle. The men in white formed a large V shape and encroached on New Zealand's territory as the Kiwis performed the Haka.
.@EnglandRugby's incredible response to an intense @AllBlacks Haka#ENGvNZL #RWC2019 #WebbEllisCup pic.twitter.com/pXOw7v01df
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 26, 2019
The English confidence continued at kickoff, as Manu Tuilagi went over for a try just minutes into the match.
An early try in #RWCYokohama
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 26, 2019
Lovely interchange from @EnglandRugby ends with Manu Tuilagi powering over by the posts 👏
What a start from England - Can the @AllBlacks hit back immediately? 🤔#RWC2019 #ENGvNZL #WebbEllisCup pic.twitter.com/pjPcpN1hMV
New Zealand's only score came from a lineout error, with Ardie Savea taking the opportunity to power over the line himself. Other than that Steve Hansen's side were strangled by the English defence, just days after they hammered Ireland.
It won't be Hansen's last game in charge however, they'll play a Bronze Medal decider against the losers of the Wales-South Africa match.
🗣 @AllBlacks coach Steve Hansen reflects on his side's defeat to England
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 26, 2019
"England played a tremendous game of footy... At the end of the day, that's what rugby's about so well done to them." #RWC2019 #ENGvNZL #WebbEllisCup #RWCYokohama pic.twitter.com/WKpngMLXXn
England will play the winners of that tie in the Rugby World Cup Final.
