Rugby World Cup 2019: All Blacks will soon know who England are – Lawes

Courtney Lawes says New Zealand will know exactly who they are up against in the Rugby World Cup semi-final on Saturday after the England lock was mistakenly named as a politician by Brodie Retallick five years ago.

Retallick irked the England camp in 2014 when he replied “Michael Laws” after being asked if he could name any members of Stuart Lancaster’s squad.

All Blacks lock Retallick was not impressed when he was reminded of that slip of the tongue this week as the world champions and England prepare to do battle in Yokohama for a place in the final.

England forward Lawes expects New Zealand to be more familiar with their opponents this weekend.

“If they don’t know, then they will tomorrow, it’s just one of those things mate!” Lawes said on Friday.

“We will just get on with it.”

Run-out in the rain at Stadium Yokohama

24 hours to go…#ENGvNZL #CarryThemHome pic.twitter.com/Ddn8YgyYpR

— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) October 25, 2019

Lawes says Eddie Jones’ men are relishing the challenge of trying to prevent the holders from becoming the first team to lift the Webb Ellis Cup three times in a row.

“We’re excited,” said Lawes. “None of us have played in a semi-final before, it’s a challenge but we’re very excited to get out there.”

He added: “I like to take every game like it is, which is a rugby game, and go out there and enjoy.

“Obviously it’s a massive occasion and we want to win, we have to win. But I like to go out there and treat every game like it’s your last game.”

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