Ford gets the match underway, taken by Whitelock

The challenge has been laid down, kickoff is just moments away

Anthems concluded, time for the NZ Haka and then it is kickoff.

These teams met on 41 previous occasions, with New Zealand winning 33 times, England seven times and one encounter being drawn.

The sides are out on the field, Billy Vunipola earns his 50th cap for England. We will have a moments silence in memory of those who suffered during the recent Typhoon Hagibis and then it is time for the anthems.

Only four teams remain at the Rugby World Cup as England (one time winner in 2003) and two time defending champions New Zealand (three time winners in 1987, 2011, 2015) square off in a titanic semi-final battle. England topped Pool C and thumped Australia 40-16 in their quarter-final clash, while New Zealand finished first in Pool B and cruised past Ireland 46-14. The All Blacks have dominated this encounter historically, winning 33 of the 41 previous meetings to England's seven to go along with a single draw. The sides are currently ranked number one and two in the world and with so much on the line expect an epic encounter. The victor will face the winner of Wales and South Africa in the Rugby World Cup Final.

One of the first times I’ve seen an AB team pick a team to compete with the opposition. Normally they play their game and force the opposition to change theirs. The fact they’re bulking up with SB on the flank shows how much respect they have for this England team and hopefully that they are going to be chasing this one!