England beat Fiji to make World Cup semi-final

15 Oct 2023 | 4 min |

England beat Fiji to make World Cup semi-final

England beat Fiji 30-24 at Stade de Marseille to book their spot in a Rugby World Cup semi-final, where they will play the winner of France v South Africa.

Tries from Manu Tuilagi and Joe Marchant as well as 20 points from the boot of Owen Farrell secured the victory, as England held off a ferocious Fijian side whose points came via Viliame Mata, Peni Ravai and Vilimoni Botitu tries, and nine points from the tee.

England were first to get on the scoreboard as referee Mathieu Raynal penalised Josua Tuisova for not rolling away on the 10-minute mark, enabling Farrell to pop over a simple penalty in front of the posts for a 3-0 lead.

Moments later Tuilagi extended that with his first England try in two years - the centre swept to the blindside of a five metre ruck, taking the ball from Farrell, and powering past the tackles of Lomani and Vinaya Habosi to dot down in the corner. The conversion was missed.

MARSEILLE, FRANCE - OCTOBER 15: Joe Marchant of England scores his team's second try during the Rugby World Cup France 2023 Quarter Final match between England and Fiji at Stade Velodrome on October 15, 2023 in Marseille, France. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

Lomani got the Fijians off the mark with a penalty, but Marchant answered with England's second try just three minutes later, and Farrell's extras made it 15-3. In the build up to the score, a TMO review noticed Habosi made a high tackle on Marcus Smith, which received a yellow card.

Viliame Mata found Fiji's first try as half hour approached, a neat dummy pass opened a gap for the number eight to stroll through unopposed, and Lomani's conversion cut the deficit to five points.

But Farrell bagged two further penalties as Steve Borthwick's men took an 11-point lead into the break, and the half-time stats showed a competitive Test: England making 220 metres - 89 more than their opponents - with Fiji making more clean breaks and beating more defenders.

It took until the 53rd minute for the first points of the second half to be scored, and came courtesy of a fourth Farrell penalty.

Simon Raiwalui's side wrestled their way back into the match with two quick fire tries. First, substitute Ravai barrelled over from close range before fly-half Botitu claimed the Fijian's third. Simione Kuruvoli converted both to level the game.

But Farrell landed a drop goal with nine minutes left in the Test to edge England ahead, and confirmed the win with a 77th minute penalty - his 20th point of the match.

Teams

England

15. Marcus Smith, 14. Jonny May, 13. Joe Marchant, 12. Manu Tuilagi (C), 11. Elliot Daly, 10. Owen Farrell, 9. Alex Mitchell, 1. Ellis Genge, 2. Jamie George, 3. Dan Cole, 4. Maro Itoje, 5. Ollie Chessum, 6. Courtney Lawes, 7. Tom Curry, 8. Ben Earl.

Replacements

16. Theo Dan, 17. Joe Marler, 18. Kyle Sinckler, 19. George Martin, 20. Billy Vunipola, 21. Danny Care, 22. George Ford, 23. Ollie Lawrence.

Fiji

15. Ilaisa Droasese, 14. Vinaya Habosi, 13. Waisea Nayacalevu, 12. Josua Tuisova, 11. Semi Radradra, 10. Vilimoni Botitu, 9. Frank Lomani, 1. Eroni Mawi, 2. Tevita Ikanivere, 3. Tuke Tagi, 4. Isoa Nasilasila, 5. Albert Tuisue, 6. Lekima Tagitagivalu, 7. Levani Botia, 8. Viliame Mata.

Replacements

16. Samuel Matavesi, 17. Peni Ravai, 18. Mesake Doge, 19. Meli Derenalagi, 20. Vilive Miramira, 21. Simione Kuruvoli, 22. Iosefo Masi, 23. Sireli Maqala.