2019 Rugby World Cup – England vs New Zealand Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is England vs New Zealand taking place? Saturday 26th October, 2019 – 09:00 (UK)
Where is England vs New Zealand taking place? Nissan Stadium, Yokohama
What is the expected weather for England vs New Zealand? 19c in clear skies
What television channel is England vs New Zealand on? This match will be televised live on ITV 1
Where can I stream England vs New Zealand? This match can be streamed via the ITV Hub
Where can I get tickets for England vs New Zealand? https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/tickets
What was the score in the last meeting between England and New Zealand? England 15-16 New Zealand
THE TEAM NEWS
ENGLAND
- England advanced to the semi-finals of the RWC for the first time in 12 years as they produced a dominant display against Australia but now face the toughest task of all as they take on New Zealand for a place in the final.
- Head coach Eddie Jones may opt to stick with the same starting XV for England's tough clash but George Ford will be hoping to start after he came on from the bench and helped his side to see the game out against the Wallabies.
- Jonny May tweaked his hamstring in the closing stages against Australia but it is not expected to keep him out of the side while Jack Nowell could also overcome his own hamstring issue to be named in the matchday 23.
NEW ZEALAND
- New Zealand made light work of Ireland as they moved a step closer to winning the RWC for a record third consecutive occasion but they know they will be in for a tough contest against a strong English side.
- The All Blacks look set to be without flanker Matt Todd for the rest of the tournament after he re-injured his shoulder against Ireland but he is definitely unavailable for this game with head coach Steve Hansen already ruling him out.
- With Todd only appearing from the bench against Ireland, Hansen will be forced into a rethink in terms of his interchanges but his starting XV looks unlikely to contain any changes from the dominant win over the Irish.
THE PREDICTION
England sent out a message with their superb display against Australia before New Zealand arguably bettered their performance which lays a brilliant platform for this semi-final. When the latest world rankings are released following the quarter-finals, these are deemed to be the best two teams in the world, with New Zealand leading the way. England are good enough upset the odds and beat the All Blacks but have little margin for error which may be too much pressure for them to handle. In what should be a pulsating contest, every point will count and it is the reigning champions that can progress to the final.
