Rugby World Cup 2019: All Blacks preparing for semi-final kicking shootout

The All Blacks don't want a World Cup repeat of their cricketing counterparts, but they are preparing for the worst-case scenario if they can't be separated from England in Friday's semi-final.

The Blackcaps and England played out an enthralling contest at Lord's in July, which included a tied Super Over, before a boundary countback separated the two sides. 

Both teams admitted in the aftermath they needed to be reminded of the countback rule as the game wound down, but thankfully World Rugby has implemented a much more commonsense approach.

Rugby World Cup 2019: All Blacks preparing for semi-final kicking shootout

In the event of a draw in a knockout match, 20 minutes of extra time is played, then an extra 10 minutes of sudden death (first points win), and, failing that, it goes to a kicking competition, similar to football's penalty shootout.

Five players from each team -who were on the field at the final whistle - then sudden death after that if they still can't be separated.

Coach Steve Hansen will have plenty of talented kickers at his disposal including Beauden Barrett, Richie Mo'unga and potentially Jordie Barrett.

"I don't think they got the cricket one right, really," Hansen said.

"Look, I think it's unlikely it will be decided by that. 

"Have we prepared for it? Yes would be the answer to that question - you'd be foolish if you didn't prepare for it - but I'd be highly surprised that, after 80 minutes, and an extra 10 minutes each way and then an extra 10 minutes that someone hasn't scored some points. 

"But funnier things have happened, haven't they?"

Lock forward Scott Barrett admits he is the least likely of his brothers to be called on by Hansen should the game get to that point. But if needed he'd be more than happy to have a crack. 

"Depending on injuries, I'd say there would be a few backs who would back themselves.

"We'd probably have to be pretty short, but out of the forwards, yeah, I'd back myself."

Newshub.