England vs Fiji LIVE: Rugby World Cup 2023 result and reaction after thrilling finish to quarter-final
England 30-24 Fiji: Owen Farrell kicked the vital points at the death to steer the Red Rose through to the semi-finals
England are through to the Rugby World Cup semi-finals after surviving a late Fiji comeback in Marseille.
Owen Farrell kicked the vital points required to steer Steve Borthwikck’s side through to a final four clash against either hosts France or defending champions South Africa, but only after Fiji levelled the contest at 24-24 with two quick-fire tries through prop Peni Ravai and flyhalf Vilimoni Botitu.
Fiji will rue three relatively simple shots at goal that were missed, as well as unforced errors that eased the pressure on England. Centres Manu Tuilagi and Joe Marchant scored first-half tries and Farrell was unerring with the boot, including a late drop-goal. England led 21-10 at halftime and looked in total control of the game for the first 60 minutes before holding off a stern Fijian challenge in the final quarter.
England reach their sixth World Cup semi-final and will go in search of a fifth final appearance when they meet hosts France or South Africa in the last four. They play later on Sunday in Paris.
Follow all the action from Marseille and get all the latest Rugby World Cup odds and tips right here:
England 0-0 Fiji
9 mins: And a big response from England, there, at the breakdown as Lawes does superbly. A customary roar from Earl and a chance now for England to attack the Fijian line.
England 0-0 Fiji
8 mins: Another turnover penalty for Fiji as Nayacalevu punishes England for not getting men around Marchant as the centre goes to ground. Another lineout for Fiji and a chance to run at this English defence.
England 0-0 Fiji
5 mins: A nice response from Fiji as Habosi nearly escapes down the right wing but is prevented by a great tackle from Daly on the cover. An early catch from Smith at full-back as the Harlequins man punts it deep into Fijian territory.
England 0-0 Fiji
2 mins: Plenty of ball in hand for England in these early stages, with Smith getting into a very attacking position from full-back.
Great work from Botia, though, in the breakdown to win a penalty for Fiji and a chance to clear.
KICK-OFF! England 0-0 Fiji
An impeccably observed silence is followed by two sets of emotional national anthems.
England get us under way now in this first half! What will the next 80 minutes have in store for us?
The players are out
England and Fiji emerge from the tunnel and the third World Cup quarter-final is just moments away.
A minute of silence to honour the victims of the ongoing conflict in Israel and Gaza and then it’s time for the anthems...
Ten minutes away
Not long to go now. A final dispatch from The Independent’s Harry Latham-Coyle before kick-off:
"Enormous boos for Owen Farrell as the England captain's name is read out pre-match at the Stade Velodrome; huge cheers for Marcus Smith. It feels like a massive day for both men."
What’s on the line
The winner of this match will play the winner of France vs South Africa which takes place later this evening.
A huge chance for both sides to reach the final four. Should Fiji triumph, it would be their first time in a World Cup semi-final.
Kick-off fast approaching
Plenty of costumes on display in Marseille. Should be a cracking atmosphere...
England vs Fiji - lineups
Just under 20 minutes until kick-off. A reminder of how both sides will line up:
England XV: 1 Ellis Genge, 2 Jamie George, 3 Dan Cole; 4 Maro Itoje, 5 Ollie Chessum; 6 Courtney Lawes, 7 Tom Curry, 8 Ben Earl; 9 Alex Mitchell, 10 Owen Farrell; 11 Elliot Daly, 12 Manu Tuilagi, 13 Joe Marchant, 14 Jonny May; 15 Marcus Smith.
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 XV: 1 Eroni Mawi, 2 Tevita Ikanivere, 3 Luke Tagi, 4 Isoa Nasilasila, 5 Albert Tuisue, 6 Lekima Tagitagivalu, 7 Levani Botia, 8 Viliame Mata; 9 Frank Lomani, 10 Vilimoni Botitu, 11 Semi Radradra, 12 Josua Tuisova, 13 Waisea Nayacalevu, 14 Vinaya Habosi, 15 Ilaisa Droasese.
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.
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