5 talking points as England prepare to tackle New Zealand
Eddie Jones has been working towards this clash for four years.
England clash with New Zealand in Saturday’s World Cup semi-final at International Stadium Yokohama in their biggest game since the 2007 global final.
Here the PA news agency examines five talking points heading into the match.
Moment of truth
Beyond Japan
Shrouded in uncertainly, Jones’ future provides a fascinating subtext to the knockout phase. Defeat to Australia in the quarter-finals would have pushed him towards the exit door, but his Twickenham stewardship now looks far more secure, regardless of the outcome against New Zealand. And he is not without alternative options, having been linked to Fiji and Australia.
New Zealand chase three-peat
The All Blacks’ more recent World Cup record is remarkable having not lost a game since 2007. In the intervening years they have lifted the Webb Ellis Trophy twice and are favourites to claim a third successive global crown on November 2. If England are to repeat their achievement of 2003, they will have done it the hard way.
Winning formula
Ford as ringmaster
