Good start the key to who comes out on top in big semi

If the All Blacks get a good start against England, they will make the World Cup final.

The English will provide tougher opposition than Ireland in the quarter-final — they are a more clinical team and very physical especially in the forwards.

Against Australia, England pounced on every mistake. That’s how they got their early tries.

If the All Blacks make early mistakes, whether it be dropping the ball or giving away penalties, England will make the most of it in tonight’s semifinal.

But if the All Blacks get fastforward momentum in the first five minutes, and first points, they will be hard to stop. If they allow England to get a good start, and the English get the sort of lead they did at Twickenham last year, it will be tricky catching them up.

Hanging on to the ball is the key for the All Blacks.

We all know how fit they are, and what Beauden Barrett can do after 15 phases of play. He is someone who never seems to get tired — he still sprints at his fastest and can spot any hole in the defence after a long period of play. He is very difficult to stop over the first five or 10 metres. And what I really noticed in the Ireland game is how strongly he carries the ball into contact, compared to Richie Mo’unga for instance.

Barrett engages two or three defenders which creates space on the outside, or helps halfbacks Aaron Smith or TJ Perenara find the space.

I’m a little bit surprised that Scott Barrett will start at blindside flanker. To me, Sam Cane is the type of loose forward you start, rather than bring off the bench. I understand he had a niggly wrist injury from the Ireland game so maybe that is a factor. But it doesn’t matter whether you start or come into the game — any injury can still be aggravated.

Steve Hansen had to start Ardie Savea as one of the loose forwards. He has been absolutely massive, with so much energy on attack and defence.

Starting in the slightly unfamiliar position won’t be a problem for Scott

Barrett. The Barretts seem to have this incredible gene — no matter where you put them, at whatever time of the game, they perform to their best.

Owen Farrell is vital for England, including in the goal kicking battle with Mo’unga. Farrell landed eight out of eight against Australia.

And Manu Tuilagi is another danger man in the centres. He carried the ball hard against Australia.

The team that can hold on to the ball the longest will be the key.