The intensity of England’s World Cup semi-final against New Zealand tomorrow will be like nothing we have seen before. For all the artistry and intelligence of the two sides, the game will be decided by the size of the collisions in a seismic physical battle for momentum. The lineout, discipline and how England cope with New Zealand’s kicking game will be crucial in Yokohama — but it is a black and white case of the world’s best attack versus the world’s best defence, and who blinks first. Attack v defenceIf England hesitate in defence against the All Blacks, as Ireland did in the quarter-final, they are finished. New Zealand are the most potent attacking team on the planet because they play with the same mantra…

Source: The Times October 24, 2019 23:10 UTC