This archive report was first published on 26 October 2019.
On a day that lived up to New Zealand coach Steve Hansen's wish for a 'game for the ages,' England's George Ford proved to be the difference-maker in the team's 19-7 semi-final victory over the All Blacks on Saturday.
England coach Eddie Jones had benched Ford for the quarter-final victory over Australia, opting for a more combative centre partnership. However, with the All Blacks basing their gameplan around double playmakers Richie Mo'unga and Beauden Barrett, Jones recalled Ford at fly-half, pairing him with skipper Owen Farrell at inside centre.
Farrell and Ford marshalled the midfield defence to great effect, limiting Barrett's contribution for most of the match to clearance kicks out of hand. Ford's recall proved to be a masterstroke, as he played a key role in England's opening try, holding the ball up perfectly for a pass to Kyle Sinckler, whose vital offload enabled Manu Tuilagi to crash over with barely a minute on the clock at Yokohama.
England's forwards, led by the Vunipola brothers, Billy and Mako, and the impressive lock pairing of Courtney Lawes and Maro Itoje, bullied their opposite numbers, playing the All Blacks at their own off-loading best. Mo'unga and Barrett both enjoyed mazy runs as the All Blacks tried to hit back, but England's defence held firm, with Ford and Farrell making crucial tackles to help bundle Jack Goodhue into touch.
Ford missed a snatched deep drop-goal, but hit a 45-metre penalty on the stroke of half-time. The second period saw Barrett penalised under pressure from Farrell in the tackle and then turned over as the All Blacks tried desperately to transition from defence into attack. Ford booted a second 49th-minute penalty, and two further penalties later, England secured a thrilling 19-7 victory, sending them into the World Cup final.
