England end Fiji dreams in Marseille
Rugby
By
Washington Onyango
| Oct 16, 2023
England are through to the semi-finals of Rugby World Cup 2023 after surviving a late fightback from Fiji to win 30-24 at Stade de Marseille on Sunday.
Tries from Manu Tuilagi and Joe Marchant as well as 11 points from the boot of Owen Farrell had given England a handy 21-10 lead at half-time.
However, the Flying Fijians roared back into the game in the second half, scoring tries through Peni Ravai and Vilimoni Botitu to level things at 24-24.
In the end it was England fly-half and captain Farrell who settled things for the 2003 champions, kicking a drop goal to regain the lead before slotting a late penalty to secure victory and a place in the last four.
England will take on South Africa in Saint-Denis in the semifinals.
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"It was what we expected. They are a tough, tough team that can turn it on in the blink of an eye," said Farrell, the Mastercard Player of the Match.
"I thought we started the game really well. We really got after it in that first half.
"We always knew Fiji were going to have some good patches and they did. To find a way to win and get through to the semi-finals is a big step forward but we know we have plenty of work to do."
England coach Steve Borthwick, while delighted to remain in the tournament, praised Raiwalui and his players.
"What a performance by Fiji, not just tonight but this World Cup. What a team they are. Well coached and jam-packed with world-class talent. We knew it was going to be a tough game and it was."
Despite losing to Fiji for the first time in August, in a Rugby World Cup warm-up match at Twickenham, England have since risen to the tasks set before them in France. [Additional reporting by World Rugby]