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England 30-24 Fiji - England hold on in dramatic finale to reach Rugby World Cup 2023 semi-finals
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Published 15/10/2023 at 16:14 GMT+1
It was anything but comfortable, but England held on in a very dramatic conclusion to overcome a doughty Fiji team and reach the semi-finals of the 2023 Rugby World Cup. It proved to be a very tough encounter for Steve Borthwick's side as they secured their progression through to the last four of the tournament, but they managed to seal the victory under immense pressure when it counted.
Highlights: England fend off Fiji fightback, heartbreak for France against South Africa
Video credit: SNTV
England progressed to the Rugby World Cup semi-finals with a 30-24 win in Marseille. Captain Owen Farrell scored 20 points in the win and the scoreline was complemented by tries from Manu Tuilagi and Joe Marchant.
Viliame Mata, Peni Ravai, and Vilimoni Botitu were the try scorers for Fiji, who brought moments of magic to their first quarter-final in 16 years.
Farrell got England on the scoreboard in Marseille with a short-range penalty in front of the posts in the 11th minute after Fiji were penalised for a high tackle.
Tuilagi scored his first try for England in two years three minutes later. The score initiated from the work of the driving maul from England before the centre darted around the corner and strode through the arms of Fiji’s defenders with a powerful leg drive to crash over the line.
Fiji started their scoring through a penalty from Lomani after England’s Tom Curry gave away a penalty for a no-arms tackle.
England swiftly replied with a try from Marchant two minutes later as he sidestepped his way to the line for England’s second. Vinaya Habosi was shown a yellow card for a high tackle on Marcus Smith in the build-up and Fiji were reduced to 14 players for 10 minutes.
Lomani missed a second penalty, but magic from Fiji including a pass through the legs from Vilimoni Botitu allowed Mata to earn them five points instead, increased to seven by Lomani’s conversion. Two penalties from Farrell sent England into the break with a 21-10 lead.
Farrell extended England’s lead with another penalty after just over 10 minutes played in the second half.
Ravai scored the next try for Fiji and replacement Simione Kuruvoli added the conversion to bring them within seven points before they swiftly added another through Botitu. Radradra was key in the build up as he gave a perfectly timed offload to allow his team-mates to break free from England’s defence. Kuruvoli added the conversion to draw the two sides level as the final 10 minutes approached.
Farrell added a drop goal to begin to pull England ahead, providing similar scenes to that of England’s opening match in the same stadium where his team-mate George Ford slotted three.
After a monstrous solo run from Ben Earl into the Fiji 22, England earned a decisive penalty in front of the posts. Farrell added the three points to extend the lead in the 78th minute.
England’s semi-final spot was not quite secured with the penalty as Fiji pushed them all the way to the 86th minute. Farrell was penalised for a deliberate knock-on in the dying minutes, but he conceded only a penalty and remained on the pitch.
Fiji continued to pressure England from the lineout, but Courtney Lawes’ pressure at the breakdown ultimately forced an off-feet error from Fiji to end the match 30-24.
England will progress to the semi-finals next week at Stade de France in Paris against the winner of France v South Africa.
Talking point - 20 points from Owen Farrell propels England to the semi-finals
England weathered the Fijian storm to progress to the semi-finals next week in Paris. Captain Owen Farrell contributed 20 points in the win made up of five penalties, one conversion, and one drop goal. His drop goal in the 72nd minute to move England ahead before a 77th-minute penalty sealed the win for Steve Borthwick’s side.
Player of the match - Ben Earl
The number eight was key to England’s victory in Marseille, in particular when his demolishing solo run from behind the half way line into the 22 set up England’s winning penalty. He carried for 130 metres (in 11 carries), the most of any player in the match, and additionally made 14 tackles. The Saracens player was key for England in both defence and attack. Owen Farrell was awarded official player of the match in Marseille.
Player ratings
England XV: Smith 7, May 8, Marchant 9, Tuilagi 9, Daly 7, Farrell (capt.) 8, Mitchell 7; Genge 7, George 7, Cole 7, Itoje 7, Chessum 7, Lawes 8, Curry 7, Earl 9
Replacements: Dan (n/a), Marler 7, Sinckler 7, Martin 7, Vunipola 7, Care 8, Ford (n/a), Lawrence 7
Fiji XV: Droasese 5, Habosi 4, Nayacalevu (capt.) 6, Tuisova, Radradra 6, Botitu 7, Lomani; Mawi 5, Ikanivere 5, Tagi 5, Nasilasila 6, Tuisue 6, Tagitagivalu 5, Botia 6, Mata 7
Replacements: Matavesi 6, Ravai 7, Doge 5, Derenalagi 6, Miramira 5, Kuruvoli, Masi 5, Maqala 6
Match highlights
Key Stats
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