Sections of New Zealand’s media reacted with shock and surprise in the aftermath of the All Black’s Rugby World Cup semi-final defeat to England.
Eddie Jones’ side battled to a 19-7 victory over the World Cup holders, who were beaten in the tournament for the first time in 12 years.
Manu Tuilagi’s second-minute try put England in control early on, and a resolute defensive effort, as well as the accuracy of George Ford’s penalties, meant New Zealand could not find a way back into the game.
And the immediate reaction in New Zealand was one of bewilderment at the favourites’ relatively tame elimination.
NZ Herald summed up the defeat with a dramatic – and slightly hyperbolic – headline: “End of the world! New Zealand dumped out of the World Cup by incredible England.”
“This wasn’t even close in the end,” read the Herald’s match report. “The sun has set on the All Blacks’ dream of winning three World Cups in succession, England deservedly going into next Saturday’s final with a completely dominant performance.”
The All Blacks’ performance was condemned, too, by Stuff, whose report opened with the line: “What a sorry way for Steve Hansen and Kieran Read to end their All Blacks careers.”
And there was a similarly bleak assessment of the game from the Otago Daily Times, who claimed: “England outplay listless All Blacks.”
Despite the manner of the loss, New Zealand coach Hansen struck a more positive note following the game.
“Congratulations to England – they played a tremendous game of footy and deserved to win. You cannot give them half a step, but they took it,” he said.
“I am really proud of our team. They have done a tremendous job, but we were not good enough. We take it on the chin. The boys tried their guts out and I am proud of them.”
England will now play the winner of Sunday’s semi-final between South Africa and Wales on November 2.
