UK
England through to Rugby World Cup semi-finals after victory over Fiji
England are through to the last four of the Rugby World Cup after a 30-24 victory over Fiji in their quarter-final in Marseille.
Steve Borthwick’s men will now face France or South Africa in the tournament’s semi-finals. The hosts and the holders meet later.
First-half tries by Manu Tuilagi and Joe Marchant put England 21-10 ahead of the Islanders at the break at Stade Velodrome.
Viliame Mata, Peni Ravai and Vilimoni Botitu crossed for Fiji, who won the hearts of many fans through their exciting, attacking approach.
Solid kicking by captain Owen Farrell, who scored 20 points, made the difference.
It means England are into the semis for the second world cup in a row as they seek a second win in the tournament.
Fiji’s Viliame Mata scores his side’s opening try. Pic: AP
Fiji, who recorded an upset pool win over Australia, had only beaten England once before Sunday, winning 30-22 in a warm-up game at Twickenham six weeks ago.
When the full-time whistle sounded, the Islanders collapsed to the floor in disappointment.
England topped their group after four wins from four, despite rarely impressing critics with their style.
England’s Owen Farrell put England ahead late on with a drop goal. Pic: AP
The Princess of Wales was among the crowd in Marseille.
It means England are the only home union side through to the last four, after defeats for Ireland and Wales on Saturday.
England have already surpassed expectations given they entered the tournament on the back of five defeats in six Tests.
If France lose to South Africa, England will also be the only team from the northern hemisphere to make the semi-finals.
After a pulsating finish to the match, former England captain and world cup winner, Lawrence Dallaglio, posted on social media platform, X: “Rugby bloody hell – what a sport.”