Combined XV: England v New Zealand

Combined XV: England v New Zealand

England and New Zealand face-off in the Rugby World Cup semi-final on Saturday at Yokohama Stadium.

With two highest-ranked and most in-form sides clash for a place in the Rugby World Cup Final, we have selected our combined XV from the two starting line ups named for Saturday.

 
 
 
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Both Steve Hansen and Eddie Jones have named strong sides with Jones reverting back to the Ford-Farrell axis while Steve Hansen has sprung a surprise by naming Scott Barrett at blindside flank with Sam Cane named on the bench.





We have based our picks on form during the Rugby World Cup.

1. Mako Vunipola - England

A close call between Moody and Vunipola. Moody has been solid for New Zealand during the World Cup while Vunipola has featured in just two games for England.

However, Vunipola gets the nod after two strong showings particularly against Australia where he made 20 tackles in a massive 68-minute performance.

2. Jamie George - England

New Zealand are arguably in a better place with their two world-class hookers in Dane Coles and Codie Taylor. However, the Englishman gets the nod over Taylor in a man on man battle.

George has maintained his high standards throughout the World Cup and just gets the nod.

3. Kyle Sinckler - England



Once again, Nepo Laulala has been excellent for the defending World Champions but again Sinckler has been in incredible form for England.

He scored an excellent try against Australia but his scrum work and overall work rate gets him in the side.

4. Brodie Retallick - New Zealand

Not too much to debate here. Retallick has been injured for most of the World Cup but the two games he has featured in has shown what exactly the All Blacks were missing.

5. Maro Itoje - England

Another close call between Itoje and Sam Whitelock with the Englishman once again getting the nod. Itoje has really delivered for Eddie Jones' side this World Cup.

Sam Whitelock has been just as strong for the All Blacks, however, Itoje's impact has been a bit more telling on England's results.

6. Tom Curry - England

Tom Curry has taken his game to the next level for England this Rugby World Cup and would have made it an extremely tight call had Steve Hansen named Ardie Savea and Sam Cane started for this clash.

7. Ardie Savea - New Zealand

Another player who has had an incredible Rugby World Cup. Ardie Savea was a standout performer for New Zealand in 2018 and took that form into 2019 and into the World Cup.

Savea is averaging more than a turnover a game, made over 150 running metres from just 33 carries and has two try assists.

8. Kieran Read - New Zealand

Once again, the player missing out has been superb this World Cup, however, Kieran Read has returned to some of his best form.

Read has been sensational for the All Blacks gets the nod over his counterpart Billy Vunipola. Read has returned to knocking ball carriers back, claiming high balls comfortably and showing some excellent skill with ball in hand.

9. Aaron Smith - New Zealand

Smith pounced to score a brace against Ireland in the quarter-finals of the World Cup but it's been his overall accuracy in everything he has done throughout the World Cup giving him the edge over Ben Youngs.

10. Richie Mo'unga - New Zealand

Richie Mo'unga has settled in the 10 jersey after struggling initially and has linked superbly with Beauden Barrett.

His accuracy off the tee and game management gives him the slightest edge over George Ford, who has been simply superb for England.

11. George Bridge - New Zealand

 
 
 
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Steve Hansen says form is the deciding factor when picking between Bridge and Ioane with Bridge getting the tick ahead of Ioane #RWC2019

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George Bridge has been excellent for the All Blacks, so much so that he has been able to keep the rampant Rieko Ioane out of the All Blacks starting XV.

His opposite Jonny May has also been excellent for England but Bridge's work rate off the ball sees him feature on the left wing.

12. Owen Farrell - England

Both Owen Farrell and Anton Lienert-Brown were superb in their respective quarter-finals but the England captain gets in the squad for his overall contribution to England's run to the semi-finals.

13. Manu Tuilagi - England

 
 
 
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Again Jack Goodhue has been solid for the All Blacks however Manu Tuilagi has torn defences apart and laid into attackers on defence.

Tuilagi has scored two tries in three games making over 150 running metres and beaten 10 defenders.

14. Sevu Reece - New Zealand

Reece broke into the All Blacks squad earlier this year and hasn't looked back since starring in the Rugby Championship and earned a place in the Rugby World Cup squad.

The 22-year-old has scored two tries making over 160 running metres beating 14 defenders in just three games.

He narrowly beats Anthony Watson to a place in the combined side with Watson returning to some of his best form following a string of lengthy injuries.

15. Beauden Barrett - New Zealand

Elliot Daly has looked far more comfortable at fullback for England but Beauden Barrett has settled into his role at fullback quickly and has been in stellar form for New Zealand.

Barrett averages over 66 metres per game as well as at least 4 defenders per game while also picking up three try assists in the three games.

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