HERE WE SCRUM
£100million on England-Wales
after ending the Kiwis’ dream of winning three World Cups in a row.
If Wales win in Yokohama this morning it will be the first all-UK final in the competition’s history.
England’s head coach, Aussie Eddie Jones, said: “New Zealand are the gods of rugby, so we had to take it to them.
“They kept coming at us. We needed to dig deep and a find a bit extra.
“We’ve come here to be the world’s best and we haven’t done that yet, so that’s where we need to go.”
The All Blacks had not lost a World Cup game in 12 years and had won 15 of the past 16 games against England.
Their coach Steve Hansen said England deserved their victory, adding: “They are a good team and there is no shame being beat but there is a lot of hurt.”
Congratulations poured in yesterday from politicians, celebrities and former players. Jonny Wilkinson
– who guided England to their last World Cup victory in 2003 against Australia – posted on Twitter: “Individually and as a team ....immense! On to next week’s final – can’t wait!”
Former England player and TV star Matt Dawson said: “If they do the detail for next week as much as they did today they are close to invincible.”
Prime Minister Boris
Johnson praised England’s “immense effort” while Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn hailed “an incredible team performance and hard fought victory”.
Ross Kemp went viral after posting a video of himself screaming: “Come on England! Yes, yes, yes. I cannot tell you what this means. It ain’t over yet but we’re pretty close. England outstanding!” Apprentice star Karren Brady wrote: “What an INCREDIBLE win for England, amazing game... one of England’s finest performances on a rugby pitch. What an amazing start to the day!”
England hope to equal their cricket counterparts’ incredible success in winning the dramatic Cricket World Cup final against New Zealand in July.
England bowler Stuart Broad tweeted: “Wow! How special was that from @ EnglandRugby? Cancel all plans next Saturday morning – we’re watching a World Cup Final!!”
Match of the Day host Gary Lineker joked: “I’m already an expert at this rugby malarkey, and confidently predict England will beat the Germans in the final. Come on England.”
The tournament has been a massive success with 400,000 people travelling to watch the games in Japan.
A spokesman for sponsor Mastercard said: “Tickets were bought by fans in 170 different countries, including one from a rugby fan in Antarctica.”
Supporters sport Queen and Prince Charles masks
RUGBY fans in Britain are tipped to stake £50million on the final... a bookies’ record for a rugby match.
But William Hill predicted it could double if Wales plays England.
Meanwhile thousands are trying to secure flights, hotels and rooms. Secondary site Viagogo listed final tickets for up to £9,000, with Category A tickets, normally £228, going for £3,845 on Stubhub.
Thousands of pubs are expected to open early next Saturday to screen the game. England are odds-on 8-13 favourites with Coral.