There was a very long period in the first half of this extraordinary game when you would not have backed New Zealand at astronomic odds against. England had established their game, and New Zealand were in danger of being taken to the cleaners. England were unable to take all their chances but they pulled 17-5 clear before half-time, and the general thought at that stage was that England only had to get in unscathed at the break to retain their title. Yet on a day that was absolutely astonishing, with all the games for the lesser positions having an electricity about them, there was no doubting at the end the sheer magnificence of New Zealand’s comeback. All their game plan in the second half was…

Source: The Times August 26, 2017 21:00 UTC