England on Saturday stunned two-time defending champions New Zealand 19-7 at the International Stadium Yokohama in Yokohama, Japan, to advance to the final of the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
New Zealand had not lost a World Cup game since France beat them in 2007.
Both sides scored a try apiece as Manu Tuilagi crossed over for England and Ardie Savea went over for New Zealand. George Ford kicked four penalties and Owen Farrell added a conversion for England while Richie Mo’unga’s conversion was New Zealand’s only successful kick.
England, the 2003 champions, put on a solid defensive effort which saw them keep the All Backs scoreless in the first half with a 10-0 lead going into halftime.
The opening try from Tuilagi came after only 98 seconds when he crashed over with the All Blacks barely touching the ball.
England also had two tries disallowed. Efforts from Sam Underhill and Ben Youngs in either half were ruled out for obstruction and a knock-on in the maul respectively.
Savea’s converted try in the 56th minute made the score 13-7, briefly giving the All Blacks hope. However, England held firm and two more penalties from Ford eased them ahead.
England will meet the winner of the second semifinal between Six Nations Grand Slam champions Wales and two-time winners South Africa next Saurday at the same venue.
