Cumbrian Mark Wilson will be hoping for a spot in England's squad for the Rugby World Cup final after making a 10-minute cameo appearance during their magnificent 19-7 semi-final victory against New Zealand.

Flanker Wilson, 30, a former Penrith Rugby Club player, came on in the 70th minute and made his presence felt immediately.

England had only beaten the All Blacks seven times in 41 attempts, with one drawn game, but this masterclass on Saturday came when it mattered.

England will now play South Africa in Saturday’s final at the Nissan Stadium in Yokohama (9am kick-off).

South Africa edged past Wales 19-16 in the other semi-final yesterday, the Welsh now playing New Zealand on Friday (9am kick-off) in the third / fourth-placed match.

Meanwhile, Kiwi’s coach Steve Hansen has revealed the New Zealand and England coaching teams reflected on a remarkable World Cup semi-final over a few beers.

Despite the pain of defeat still being so raw, Hansen and his tracksuit lieutenants met with their England counterparts once hostilities had ceased.

"There was a lot of respect from both sides. Eddie [Jones, England's head coach] was particularly mindful of how I was feeling and I was quite encouraging of what they have to do next," Hansen, who leaves his post after the World Cup in Japan, said.

"The nice thing was that some of their guys came into our shed, and our coaching group went down to their shed and shared a beer.

"The game has moved on a heck of a lot from its traditions, but it’s only a game. Sport can teach you a lot. It was nice to share a beer with them."