LONDON, Oct 27, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Britain’s warring party leaders united
briefly on Saturday to heap praise on England after they beat mighty New
Zealand to reach the Rugby World Cup final in Japan.
Fly-half George Ford led the way as Eddie Jones’s team ended the All
Blacks’ eight-year reign as champions with a superb 19-7 World Cup semi-final
win in Yokohama.
They will play either Wales or South Africa, who meet in the other semi-
final on Sunday, in next week’s final.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn took
time out of the Brexit debate to praise the team, who are into the final for
the first time since 2007.
“Immense effort by @EnglandRugby, many congratulations to the whole team.
Now for the final! #ENGvNZL #RWC19,” tweeted Johnson.
Corbyn said: “Congratulations to the @EnglandRugby team on an incredible
team performance and hard-fought victory against the @AllBlacks. Hopefully
it’s an @EnglandRugby vs @WalesRugby final!”
Former England captain Will Carling said the side produced a “very
special” performance to beat New Zealand.
“Was always going to take something very special to beat as side with the
ability and history of NZ,” he tweeted. “And that was very special. Don’t
believe there can be any complaints about that outcome. So many outstanding
performances #RWC2019.”
England Test great Jonny Wilkinson, who won the World Cup with England in
2003, tweeted: “Immense!! Individually and together as a team….immense! On
to next week’s final. Can’t wait!”
The England football team also tweeted their congratulations, along with
Premier League sides Arsenal and Crystal Palace.