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 vs Fiji - lineups
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.
England vs Fiji - team news
England have made two big calls ahead of their quarter-final clash with Fiji as George Ford is relegated to the bench and Freddie Steward misses out entirely. Owen Farrell is preferred at fly-half with the Ford-Farrell 10-12 experiment ditched for now. Marchant again partners Tuilagi in the centres with Daly filling in on the wing.
At full-back, the mercurial Marcus Smith is preferred to Steward as England go in search of some much-needed creativity after their poor performance against Samoa.
Fiji, meanwhile, make six changes from their narrow defeat over Portugal last Sunday. At hooker, Ikanivere replaces Matavesi, while Tuisue and Tagitagivalu are preferred to Mayanavanua and Derenalagi in the second row and back row respectively.
There are also changes on both wings and at full-back as Semi Radradra returns from injury. The talismanic winger returns on the left wing, with Habosi moving across to the right win instead of Ravutaumada. At full-back, Maqala drops to the bench with Droasese coming into the starting XV.
England vs Fiji - all you need to know
When is England vs Fiji?
The quarter-final is due to kick off at 4pm BST on Sunday 15th October at Stade Velodrome in Marseille.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match on ITV1 with coverage starting at 3pm BST.
Registered viewers can also stream the match for free on ITVX.
Kick-off fast approaching
The fans are here in their droves. What an atmosphere it should be today in Marseille.
England vs Fiji - LIVE
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Welcome
Welcome to The Independent’s coverage of England vs Fiji in the quarter-finals of Rugby World Cup 2023!
England return to the location of their opening win against Argentina as both teams look to secure a semi-final place against either France or South Africa.
Follow along for live updates as they happen.
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