YOKOHAMA: Even before the kickoff, England stole a march on defending champions New Zealand. Respect for customary All Blacks practice? Not in this Rugby World Cup semifinal.
Reserve prop Joe Marler wasn’t the only England player standing on New Zealand’s side of halfway when the All Blacks performed their famous pre-match haka on Saturday, but he didn’t retreat to his own side even when a match official gestured to him about his breach of convention.
After shocking the two-time defending champions with a try to Manu Tuilagi in the second minute, England didn’t retreat one bit.
And four years after being unceremoniously dumped out in the group stage of the World Cup it was hosting, England reached their first final in 12 years with a 19-7 upset over New Zealand.
The All Blacks hadn’t lost a World Cup game since that tournament in 2007, had never lost to England at a World Cup, went into the game on a six-game winning streak in head-to-heads and having won 15 of the last 16.
All those streaks are off. England’s Australian coach Eddie Jones had spoken all week of how vulnerable the All Blacks were as the hot favorites, despite describing them as the best team in sport. Jones strikes again. He coached Australia to the 2003 final which ended in an extra-time loss to England — so far the Northern Hemisphere’s only Rugby World Cup crown.
Jones was a consultant on South Africa’s title win in 2007, sealed with a victory over England, guided Japan to a shocking win over South Africa at the 2015 World Cup pool stage and has now got England to the final.
“They’ve had a week to prepare,” Jones said, recalling how England targeted this game when the tournament draw was made.
“We’ve been unconsciously preparing for this.”
“I’d like to pay the greatest compliment to New Zealand,” he added, “they won two World Cups in a row and they’ve been a great team, so we had to dig really deep to beat them.”
The New Zealanders rallied from 15-0 down to win the last meeting 16-15, but this time England didn’t give them a chance. And that included two tries disallowed by the Television Match Official.
“There’s no shame in getting beaten by them,” New Zealand coach Steve Hansen said. “There’s a lot of hurt.” What hurt Hansen more was the suggestion that the All Blacks didn’t turn up hungry to win. He invited a reporter to step outside the news conference room for questioning his team’s commitment.
England will next play the winner of Sunday’s semifinal between two-time champion South Africa and Wales. Four years ago, no northern teams reached the semis. This time, teams from the north have at least a 50-50 shot of winning it.
England upset All Blacks to reach World Cup final
England upset All Blacks to reach World Cup final
- Jones was a consultant on South Africa’s title win in 2007, sealed with a victory over England, guided Japan to a shocking win over South Africa at the 2015 World Cup pool stage and has now got England to the final
‘The standard keeps getting better year-on-year’: Simon Doull on DP World ILT20 growth
- ‘Every franchise wants quality wrist spin,’ says former New Zealand cricketer and DP World ILT20 commentator
DUBAI: The DP World ILT20 continues to strengthen as a competitive global league while playing a key role in the development of UAE and regional cricketers, according to former New Zealand international and tournament commentator Simon Doull.
“The standard in general has been great, and it’s getting better year-on-year. That’s one of the things that’s impressed me most,” he said.
Doull, who has been associated with the DP World ILT20 since the inaugural season, also credited the tournament for helping local talent.
“The standard of the local players is lifting, courtesy of being part of this tournament over the last two or three years. We’re seeing more of them being trusted with important roles, and that’s a real positive from this season,” Doull said.
“From a bowling point of view, I’ve been really impressed with Khuzaima Tanveer. He’s a guy I hadn’t seen much of before, but he’s got all the attributes to be a good international bowler when that time comes.
“He’s got good pace, good variations, and he’s used the facilities really well. He’s been a big part of why the Desert Vipers have been so strong this season.”
Doull pointed to consistent contributions from the experienced players. “You always look to your top-order players, and from my point of view Muhammad Waseem (335 runs and top scorer) has been very good again.”
He added: “From an all-rounder point of view, Sam Curran (323 runs) has been the standout for me. He’s contributed with both bat and ball, has seven wickets in the tournament and is scoring runs again.”
The former fast bowler believes the timing and structure of the tournament have worked well. “The window this year has been critical. It’s a great time of year to play and fits nicely into the calendar. I think it will only continue to improve.”
Doull welcomed the league’s expanding regional footprint, particularly the inclusion of one player from Kuwait and Saudi Arabia in each franchise.
“The league started with a focus on developing UAE players, and now it’s expanding into regional growth. Being involved with franchises, training around experienced players, and taking that learning back home is crucial for lifting standards,” he said.
“Players must earn their spots. But standards won’t improve unless they’re included in some way. Over the next few years, you might see more opportunities coming as that development continues.”
Doull also praised the DP World ILT20 Player Development Initiative, which brought in seven African cricketers into franchise environments this season, for potentially impacting the broader ecosystem on the continent.
“For any young player who gets that opportunity, being able to train alongside international stars like Kieron Pollard, Phil Salt, Jason Roy and Liam Livingstone is massive.
“You pick their brains, have conversations after net sessions about what it takes to get a wicket against that type of player, and you take that knowledge and experience back with you to help others improve.”
The Dubai Capitals’ Waqar Salamkheil has emerged as the top wicket-taker with 17, and his left-arm wrist spin has put him on track to win the White Belt (Best Bowler) for a second time.
Doull is encouraged by the continued relevance of spin bowling in the T20 format.
“We once thought T20 cricket might be the death of spin, but that hasn’t been the case at all. Every franchise wants quality wrist spin, and these grounds are a great size to utilize it properly,” he added.
The top five run-getters this season have strike-rates below 135. Referring to this trend, Doull underlined the importance of cricketing awareness in modern T20 batting.
“It’s all about situational awareness. In the first innings, strike rate is vital. In a chase, if you win the game, it doesn’t bother me at all.”
