'Immense' - How Twitter reacted to England's memorable victory over the All Blacks

Jonny Wilkinson described England’s 19-7 victory over New Zealand as “immense” as the sporting world took to social media after a memorable World Cup semi-final.

England put in one of their best-ever performances to down the All Blacks and reach the final in Japan, and World Cup winner Wilkinson was one of the first to pay tribute.

The final whistle goes and @EnglandRugby secure their place in Rugby World Cup Final after beating New Zealand 19-7#ENGvNZL #RWC2019 #WebbEllisCup pic.twitter.com/YheIOiMukW

— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 26, 2019

Wilkinson, who guided England to success in the 2003 final against host nation Australia, posted on Twitter: “Immense!!

“Individually and together as a team….immense! On to next week’s final. Can’t wait!”

Immense!! Individually and together as a team….immense! On to next week's final. Can't wait!

— Jonny Wilkinson (@JonnyWilkinson) October 26, 2019

Ben Cohen, who also played in the 2003 decider, tweeted: “@EnglandRugby were simply incredible today!! #Worlds2019”

@EnglandRugby on fire. Great pace in attack and defence. They have urgency in every aspect of the game. @AllBlacks are the complete opposite! Let see what happens in the second half. #comeonengland #Worlds2019 #ENGvNZL

— Ben Cohen (@RugbyBenCohen) October 26, 2019

Another 2003 hero, Jason Robinson, simply said: “Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeesssssssssss!!!!!! @rugbyworldcup final here we come!!!!! #ENGvNZL”

Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeesssssssssss!!!!!!’@rugbyworldcup final here we come!!!!! #ENGvNZL

— Jason Robinson (@Jason15Robinson) October 26, 2019

Ex-England star Austin Healey had even more reason to celebrate, posting: “The greatest 41st birthday ever … Manu, Maro, Ford, Underhill, Curry … everyone amazing.”

The greatest 41st birthday ever … Manu, Maro, Ford, underhill, curry … everyone amazing .. watched in paradise @Soneva_Kiri #discoversoneva #paradise Wales in the final??

— Austin Healey (@IamAustinHealey) October 26, 2019

Just over three months have passed since England edged out New Zealand in the Cricket World Cup final at Lord’s, and plenty of mischievous social media users have drawn comparisons.

England’s Barmy Army, a supporters club, posted a photoshopped picture of England rugby head coach Eddie Jones running out New Zealand counterpart Steve Hansen.

Sorry, @BLACKCAPS, but it had to be done. ??????? #CarryThemHome pic.twitter.com/ByPRqMhrFU

— England's Barmy Army ???????? (@TheBarmyArmy) October 26, 2019

Jimmy Neesham, who played for the Black Caps in the dramatic super-over defeat in July, said he had muted the words ‘England’, ‘World Cup’ and ‘2019’ forever on his phone.

I think that just about covers it. pic.twitter.com/IAetFuXk4W

— Jimmy Neesham (@JimmyNeesh) October 26, 2019

Former England footballer Gary Lineker put his spin on proceedings, saying: “I’m already an expert on this rugby malarchy, and confidently predict that England will beat the Germans in the final. Come On England.”

I’m already an expert on this rugby malarchy, and confidently predict that England will beat the Germans in the final. Come On England.

— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) October 26, 2019

The official England football account said: “Congratulations on reaching the @rugbyworldcup final, @EnglandRugby!”

Congratulations on reaching the @rugbyworldcup final, @EnglandRugby! ? https://t.co/xRM8dFBbH4

— England (@England) October 26, 2019

Four-time Olympic sailing champion Ben Ainslie was also full of praise, tweeting: “Well@done @EnglandRugby just brilliant!”

Well@done @EnglandRugby just brilliant!

— Ben Ainslie (@AinslieBen) October 26, 2019

Plenty others praised the performance and Eddie Jones.

https://twitter.com/jimhamilton4/status/1188033316403974144
https://twitter.com/Phil_Vickery/status/1188036354262876160
https://twitter.com/mrdanwalker/status/1188041887816540160
https://twitter.com/rugbyworldcup/status/1188044052777750530
https://twitter.com/RugbyReg/status/1188037687598448640
https://twitter.com/RugbyPass/status/1188038020739584000

Tom Curry, with all the emotions. #RWC2019 #ENGvNZL pic.twitter.com/1AMAeMSy5k

— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 26, 2019

WATCH: World Rugby’s match highlights as England beat New Zealand in Yokohama