English lessons, history lessons
Although some current players weren’t born when the All Blacks last played England in a World Cup semifinal, it would beggar belief if they knew nothing about the famous battle in Cape Town in 1995.
After their 46-14 demolition of Ireland in the World Cup quarterfinal in Tokyo on Saturday, the All Blacks, should they require extra motivation, could do some history lessons ahead of the semifinal against England in Yokohama next weekend.
In 1995 the All Blacks, captained by Sean Fitzpatrick, beat England 45-29 at Newlands and while the late Jonah Lomu starred by scoring four tries it would be seriously misguided to underestimate the contribution of his team-mates that day.
Under coach Laurie Mains the All Blacks put immense pressure on their opponents by electing to use their superior fitness to play at pace, quickly flick the ball through the hands and maintain continuity in a breathtaking manner.
If it sounds familiar, that will be of no surprise.
The attacking philosophies current coach Steve Hansen has instilled in his team, which blew apart Ireland’s hopes of advancing into the semis for the first time, were once again on display as they scored seven tries to two at Tokyo Stadium.
All Blacks left wing George Bridge, who scored a late try against the Irish, was less than three months old when Fitzpatrick’s team recorded their famous win over the English but that game plan will resonate with him in the days ahead.
Bridge appears certain to get his first crack at playing the English, who beat Australia 40-16 in the quarterfinal in Oita, as Hansen sticks with his top lineup.
No-one should expect the Eddie Jones-coached England team to be as passive as the Irish, but there are questions as to whether they can stick with the All Blacks if they can crank their attacking game into top gear.
Bridge described the efforts of his forward pack as ‘‘unreal’’.
‘‘To be outside that was pretty special, to watch them winning the collision areas and opening up the space outside for guys like me and the outside backs,’’ Bridge said.
England’s forward pack, which is mentored by former All Blacks coach John Mitchell, won’t wilt as easily against the Irish and the back row is every bit as good – if not better.
Some big bundles of British beef are loaded in the men numbered one to eight, and they will know how crucial it will be to stop the All Blacks from providing fast ball for men like Bridge.
The All Blacks’ discipline will need to be better against the English; they are unlikely to be as sloppy as Irish first five-eighth Johnny Sexton who butchered several scoring chances by failing to miss touch after penalties.
The All Blacks conceded 13 penalties against the Irish, and referee Nigel Owens yellow carded replacement flanker Matt Todd late in the game after awarding a penalty try.
England should have beaten the All Blacks in London last November, but a try to flanker Sam Underhill in the final minutes was disallowed by the TMO.
After trailing 15-0 the New Zealanders did well to win 16-15, and neither team will have forgotten that scrape.
Bridge, speaking immediately after the win in Tokyo, hadn’t had a chance to watch England’s win over Australia.
Asked if he was surprised by the score, he was diplomatic.
‘‘Ah, well. It was always going to be a tough battle. I can’t answer that. To be honest, I haven’t really looked too far into the English side so far.
‘‘I just know they are a bloody quality side.’’