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[RWC2019][Semi-Final 1] England vs. New Zealand (26/10/2019)

England demolished the ABs comprehensively but the way they got around us at times and really threatened anything less than comprehensively and it could be a different story, they wouldnt have needed much of a chance. They have come back so many times so credit to England for keeping the intensity for the full 80 and even upping it for the last 10. Incredible victory.
I think what people forget is how the nerves affect the game: defence goes up a notch and attack goes down a notch. It's small margins that make a massive difference. We choked a bit, like the 2011 final, 2007 quarter, 2003 semi, 99 semi, even the 2015 semi was affected by nerves, despite having probably the mentally strongest side in the professional era.

I haven't doubted England's mental fortitude, though I'm not certain what they'd be like coming from behind.
 
Yep. Pass out on the sofa and soil yourself. Bonus points for removing one of your socks, opening your fly and leaving some furry porn running at volume.
He's got to keep drinking and go for the triple crown!
 
I think what people forget is how the nerves affect the game: defence goes up a notch and attack goes down a notch. It's small margins that make a massive difference. We choked a bit, like the 2011 final, 2007 quarter, 2003 semi, 99 semi, even the 2015 semi was affected by nerves, despite having probably the mentally strongest side in the professional era.

I haven't doubted England's mental fortitude, though I'm not certain what they'd be like coming from behind.

The last six nations is key in terms of England's mentality. Today was their Ireland away. Next week could be their Wales away or their Scotland second half. They key mentally for them is - have they developed since then. Inconsistency has been a feature with it. Nows the time to dispel it.

What a win. Mighty impressive. Thought the NZ centres were poor, but then they had no ball. I know one thing. Whoever loses tomorrow will not be looking forward to playing the ABs!
 
The last six nations is key in terms of England's mentality. Today was their Ireland away. Next week could be their Wales away or their Scotland second half. They key mentally for them is - have they developed since then. Inconsistency has been a feature with it. Nows the time to dispel it.

What a win. Mighty impressive. Thought the NZ centres were poor, but then they had no ball. I know one thing. Whoever loses tomorrow will not be looking forward to playing the ABs!

Couldn't agree with you more. England have always had an annoying ability to throw games away off the back of some convincing wins. Hopefully we will keep our cool for the final.
 
So watching again.

New Zealand's first two line outs were just inside England's 22. Both times their hooker moved outside for the throwin. The second time he lost the throw and England kicked out. AR got fooled but Nigel corrected him. Other than the kiwi hooker not being confident in his throw, is this a common tactic? I never noticed a player doing this before.
 
The last six nations is key in terms of England's mentality. Today was their Ireland away. Next week could be their Wales away or their Scotland second half. They key mentally for them is - have they developed since then. Inconsistency has been a feature with it. Nows the time to dispel it.

What a win. Mighty impressive. Thought the NZ centres were poor, but then they had no ball. I know one thing. Whoever loses tomorrow will not be looking forward to playing the ABs!
I don't feel like the last six nations is the best measure actually. This has all been said before but I feel like the six nations outcomes were due to complacency more than fragility, and complacency isn't a concern in a world cup knockout. Regardless of that though, I've been feeling their mental momentum growing, and I trust the group is one that can really ride that momentum like they did when they went on their streak a few years ago. They have saracens experiences too. If I was in their camp I would believe, big time. They've essentially got the same squad they had on their streak plus curry undies. You could say they have a curry streak in their undies. That's how good they are.

the only question I'd have is about coming from behind. It's a big ask mentally to come from behind in a final.
 
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So watching again.

New Zealand's first two line outs were just inside England's 22. Both times their hooker moved outside for the throwin. The second time he lost the throw and England kicked out. AR got fooled but Nigel corrected him. Other than the kiwi hooker not being confident in his throw, is this a common tactic? I never noticed a player doing this before.
It's more likely just adjusting to where the forwards have lined up rather than trying to go outside the 22 is think. I've never noticed it.
 
It's more likely just adjusting to where the forwards have lined up rather than trying to go outside the 22 is think. I've never noticed it.

then it's a team tactic then. You don't move two meters when it's a very important two meters for no reason. Having your line out outside the 22 vs inside is a huge difference.
 
Ah man what a Test match. Normally when the All Blacks get beaten it's about how the other team managed to shut them down. Not this time around as there was nothing really to stop. England were basically in complete control the whole time. Fair play England, that was one for the ages.

As for the All Blacks, some major risks were taken with some rookies in the team (both wingers) and shuffling players around. It was quite clear a looong time ago that Beauden wasn't the 10 to take the All Blacks forward but only recently has he been moved to accommodate a true 10 in Richie.
The All Blacks tight 5 also looked shaky against the Boks so I'm not surprised the English managed to grind them there.

That said this lose ended a 18 match winning streak for WC matches which is quite some record and something All Blacks fans can be proud of.
 
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