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England overcame a late Fiji comeback in Marseille to reach the Rugby World Cup semi-finals.
Owen Farrell hit the vital kick needed to lead Steve Borthwick’s side into the last four against hosts France or defending champions South Africa, but Fiji’s prop Peni Ravai and two fast-attackers This was after a try tied the score at 24-24. Flyhalf Vilimoni Botitu.
Fiji will regret missing three relatively easy shots on goal and an unforced error that eased the pressure on England. Centers Manu Tuilagi and Joe Marchant scored tries in the first half, while Farrell made no mistakes, including a drop goal in the second half. England led 21-10 at half-time and appeared to have complete control of the game for the first 60 minutes, but they held off a tough Fiji attack in the final quarter.
England have reached their sixth World Cup semi-final and will face hosts France or South Africa in the last four as they aim to reach their fifth final. They play in Paris later on Sunday.
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England captain Owen Farrell speaks to ITV after the match
“I’m feeling good at the moment. I’m happy that we were able to get the job done and finally get to compete against a top Fijian team. There’s still a lot of work to do and work on for us. . This is a good place for us and we want to do our best for next week.”
Regarding defensive efforts in the final stages: “We felt very calm. Obviously, Fiji’s skill and power can hurt you at any time so you have to be on high alert and we thought so too. Ben [Earl] They did a great job getting us up the other side of the pitch and adding penalties. I wish we hadn’t given that penalty at the end, it would have been a little easier, but the players persisted. ”
About drop goals: “We just wanted to get a point and get out of 22nd place. We were drawing at the time but the forwards did a good job and gave us a platform so thankfully I won. I was able to establish.”
ben flemingOctober 15, 2023 18:11
Full time: England 30-24 Fiji
ben flemingOctober 15, 2023 18:03
Full time: England 30-24 Fiji
Although they may have fallen just a little short, it was a spectacular comeback by Fiji in the second half. The latter two tries are:
ben flemingOctober 15, 2023 17:59
Full time: England 30-24 Fiji
Ben Earl is all smiles every time the camera pans. What a great tournament he’s had and what a run he made in the final seconds to earn his team a big penalty in the closing seconds of the game.
ben flemingOctober 15, 2023 17:56
Full time: England 30-24 Fiji
England won the penalty and did it!
Laws was the main force at the breakdown and Fiji were on their knees. Farrell hits the ball into the stands and England celebrate!
What a game that was. There was ups and downs and plenty of drama right down to the final moments, but England won by six points thanks to Farrell’s late drop goal and penalty.
ben flemingOctober 15, 2023 17:52
England 30 – 24 Fiji
84 minutes: Although there was a penalty, Farrell was not given a yellow card.
This was a poor kick for Fiji, who would have wanted more territory.
Lineout ball, and off we go.
ben flemingOctober 15, 2023 17:51
England 30 – 24 Fiji
83 minutes: The drama begins when Farrell knocks the ball and heads for the tackle.
Was that intentional? That is for the TMO to decide.
And they feel that it is. Fiji are given a penalty and we play. It could still result in a yellow card for the England captain.
ben flemingOctober 15, 2023 17:50
England 30 – 24 Fiji
80 minutes: Still, Fiji will come, but England have successfully repelled Fiji’s attacks so far. They are now back over the 10 meter line and almost to the halfway line.
ben flemingOctober 15, 2023 17:48
England 30 – 24 Fiji
80 minutes: Fiji formed a scrum inside England’s half after Itoje’s knock-on.
The scrum was reset twice and reached 80 minutes. Fiji must score a try from this set-piece or he will be sent home.
ben flemingOctober 15, 2023 17:46
penalty! England 30-24 Fiji (Farrell, 78 minutes)
Farrell knows what he is doing as he wastes every second before avoiding a penalty.
England lead by six points with two minutes remaining.
ben flemingOctober 15, 2023 17:44