Why You Should Watch England’s Chance at Making History
Yes, England’s rugby match is early tomorrow, but your morning cuppa is going to be that much more exciting as Eddie Jones’ team has the chance to make history for England Rugby.
New Zealand has won 15 of 16 encounters between the two nations. England were able to get the better of the All Blacks at Twickenham in 2012, but have lost all six encounters since. England have not beaten the All Blacks in a major tournament, ever.
Overcoming the current Rugby World Cup champions would feel like they have won the entire tournament. This is the furthest they have been in a World Cup since 2007, where they were defeated by South Africa in the final.
The All Blacks have not lost a World Cup match since their quarter-final against France in 2007.
England topped one of the toughest groups in the tournament on their way to tomorrow’s semi-final overcoming Argentina and the USA.
Typhoon Hagibis intervened and took away their chance to clash against France, but Jones’ side sailed through unharmed, topping the group by two points.
Expectations were high for England before the tournament began, with many claiming that they have the best chance of lifting the trophy since their success in 2003.
Dan Luger, 2003 Rugby World Cup champion, acknowledged that this current squad has every ingredient to win it when talking to the Sports Gazette.
“They got quality players all through the squad, 1-30 or how many it goes. They prove it with how they play, they play some fantastic rugby,” Lugar said.
“They have everything it takes to win it.”
Support from the nation is crucial during a World Cup.
“I think it’ll be a positive for them that the nation are talking about them,” adds Lugar.
“People from all over the country that don’t necessarily know much about rugby will be supporting the team massively because they will be proud of a team that has a chance of winning.”
Hamish Percy and I caught up with, Brian Moore, 1991 World Cup finalist with England, before the tournament started and he was convinced this team was bound to go far, especially if they get out of their tough group stage.
We asked him why the nation should watch England during this World Cup and it was simple: “Because they might win a World Cup. They are the best chance since 2003.
“I don’t have any doubts that if England get on the front foot and play well, no one will want to play them.”
Here they are, settled in the semi-final and set to make history against the dominant All Blacks, which seems likely to happen from Moore and Lugar’s expectations of the squad.
Personally, I did not understand rugby until this tournament, but watching some of the nail-biting, heart racing, edge of the seat matches of this past five weeks has made me come to love the sport.
I’ve learned that playing with grit and passion every single match is simply part of the sport’s culture.
Luckily, the Sports Gazette’s rugby editor, Callum Room, has helped me get a grip on the excellence of this England squad.
“Eddie Jones and the player’s will be keen to avenge the disappointment of 2015 and make a real statement of intent in this match,” said Callum.
“Whilst there is gonna be a huge amount of pressure on the England boys, I think they’ve shown from the start of the tournament that they have what it takes to go all the way.”
“Both Tom Curry and Sam Underhill in the back row have been outstanding so far and I think that they can help England get the upper hand in the breakdown situations which could be pivotal in dictating how the game goes.”
“Saturday morning really can’t come quick enough.”
Not knowing rugby should not put you off from watching England’s match tomorrow. Rules of Sport have broken down the basics of rugby in a quick guide here.
With a basic understanding of the sport, along with the interest to see if England can break their unwanted streak against New Zealand, it is enough to enjoy tomorrow’s game.
The hunger for the title “World Champion” is contagious. These athletes push themselves to the best of their ability, play the best they have ever played and have the belief of becoming World Champions.
That is undeniably captivating.
Kick-off is 9am (UK time) and you can watch on ITV.
