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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Gavin Quinn

England and New Zealand announce teams for World Cup semi-final

Both Eddie Jones and Steve Hansen have thrown up changes in their team selections this week ahead of their crucial World Cup semi-final.

The All Blacks coach has promoted flanker Scott Barrett after impressing off the bench against Ireland, with Sam Cane dropped to the bench.

England have recalled George Ford, with Owen Farrell moving back to inside centre as Henry Slade drops down.

And the vast majority of Irish fans want New Zealand to knock England out of the Rugby World Cup this weekend despite their thrashing of Ireland.

Joe Schmidt's men's hopes of reaching the last four were emphatically crushed by the All Blacks in Tokyo last Saturday.

But an Mirror Sport poll has revealed that a whopping 88% of almost 2,500 Irish supporters would rather see the reigning champions make the final than the old enemy.

England last won the World Cup in 2003 before they lost the final to South Africa four years later.

New Zealand, meanwhile, are looking to lift the Web Ellis Cup for a third successive time with the winners playing either Wales or South Africa in the finale.

England:  Elliot Daly; Anthony Watson, Manu Tuilagi, Owen Farrell, Jonny May; George Ford, Ben Youngs; Mako Vunipola, Jamie George, Kyle Sinckler; Maro Itoje, Courtney Lawes; Tom Curry, Sam Underhill, Billy Vunipola.

Replacements:  Luke Cowan-Dickie, Joe Marler, Dan Cole, George Kruis, Mark Wilson, Willi Heinz, Henry Slade, Jonathan Joseph.

New Zealand : Beauden Barrett; Sevu Reece, Jack Goodhue, Anton Lienert-Brown, George Bridge; Richie Mo'unga, Aaron Smith; Joe Moody, Codie Taylor, Nepo Laulala; Brodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock; Scott Barrett, Ardie Savea, Kieran Read.

Replacements:  Dane Coles, Ofa Tuungafasi, Angus Ta'avao, Patrick Tuipulotu, Sam Cane, TJ Perenara, Sonny Bill Williams, Jordie Barrett.

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