Outstanding Baby Blacks Beat England to Take World Title
“Black is back. England’s reign as World Rugby Under-20 champions is over, deposed by an outstanding New Zealand side, several of whom you should expect to see in an All Black shirt in the not too distant future”, writes Daniel Schofield for The Telegraph.
“The game started at a frightening level of pace. By the half-hour mark, three players had departed through injury – Ricky Riccitelli and TJ Faiane for New Zealand, full-back Aaron Morris for England.”
“We got ourselves into an arm wrestle. It could have gone either way. Our first 20 minutes was sensational. After that we didn’t manage the breakdown as well as we could have in terms of possession and keeping the ball. I can’t ask more of these young English players,” said Jon Callard, the England Under-20 coach.
Even though “England’s defence was immense throughout, two slight lapses were all it took for Vincent Tavae-Aso and Akira Ioane, the game if not the tournament’s outstanding player, to capitalise as New Zealand ended a four year drought in a competition they previously bestrode as their own fiefdom” with their 21:16 win over England.
There is no disgrace in losing to a New Zealand team of this calibre, who defended with relative comfort, writes Daniel Schofield.
“England could not match such star power but they too have plenty of talent who should provide cause for genuine excitement. If there is to be a criticism of this England side it would be for their lack of composure and control in the final quarter”.
Article Source: The Telegraph, Daniel Schofield, June 20, 2015.
Image Source: Twitter – Rugby World Cup
