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
-
FULL TIME! England survive thrilling contest with Fiji
-
England will face France or South Africa, who meet tonight in Paris
-
REPORT: Owen Farrell silences critics as England survive Fiji fightback
-
PENALTY! England 30-24 Fiji (Farrell, 78 mins)
-
DROP GOAL! England 27- 24 Fiji (Farrell, 72 mins)
-
TRY! England 24- 24 Fiji (Botitu, 69 mins)
-
TRY! England 24-17 Fiji (Ravai, 64 mins)
-
TRY! England 15-10 Fiji (Mata, 28 mins)
-
TRY! England 15-3 Fiji (Marchant, 23 mins)
-
TRY! England 8-0 Fiji (Tuilagi, 14 mins)
Owen Farrell silences critics as England survive Fiji fightback
18:30 , Ben Fleming
It had to be him. At a ground where his great mate George Ford had produced one of the special individual World Cup performances just weeks ago, Owen Farrell fashioned his own version of a Marseille masterpiece, silencing the critics with a 20-point tally and his best showing in an England shirt for years.
And how England needed their captain. This was eventually an incredibly tight game against a valiant Fiji, so nearly victorious after summoning a second-half comeback seemingly from nowhere. It may have lacked the pure accuracy and ingenuity of Ireland vs New Zealand, but this was a compelling contest all the same, played with a hellacious physicality throughout.
At various stages, England looked to be roaring into the semi-finals but found a 14-point second-half lead eroded quickly by a fabulous Fijian fightback, Levani Botia and Semi Radradra threatening to bend the game to their will. Certainly neither deserves to be exiting the World Cup at this stage.
But, in the end, it was Farrell with the final word, as fate dictated. If the fly half had played more consistently like this in an England shirt, there would not even be a debate at 10 – though this was an excellent time to return to full form, leading his team into a second successive tournament semi-final.
Read Harry Latham-Coyle’s full match report from Marseille below:
Owen Farrell silences critics as England survive Fiji fightback
What’s next?
18:41 , Ben Fleming
England will play either South Africa or France in Paris next Saturday night. What a cracker that promises to be.
South Africa’s game against France is right around the corner, with kick-off at 8pm BST.
Click the link below to head over and catch all the build-up to that encounter:
France v South Africa LIVE: Rugby World Cup 2023 score and latest updates
FULL-TIME: England 30-24 Fiji
18:39 , Ben Fleming
Celebrating at full-time:
England number eight Ben Earl, speaking to ITV
18:36 , Ben Fleming
“I’m just over the moon and it’s still not really sunk in. I’m so proud of the boys – the staff, the whole squad. It looked a bit shaky at one point there didn’t it but I think the experience shone through in the end. Not many players in the world put themselves in the pocket like Owen [Farrell] did and slot three.”
On his surging late run: “It just opened up for me and was a bit instinctual but just pleased to contribute in any way and I can’t wait for next week now.
“We thought when we played them last time at Twickenham that they upped us physically so defensively we had moments we didn’t like watching back but today we will be a bit happier to watch it back.
“Hopefully, we see a lot more of our true self when we what that game back and it’s a testament to the work we’ve been doing on and off the pitch.”
Steve Borthwick, England coach, speaking to ITV
18:28 , Ben Fleming
“I thought the players were magnificent; the whole squad worked very hard to get that result tonight – every one of the 33 – but I think it’s important to give immense credit to Fiji. They played tremendously well tonight and have had a fantastic World Cup but we’re delighted that we’ve found a way to win that game.
“For the vast majority of that game, we were in control. There was a spell midway through the second half where they scored back-to-back tries. They are probably the only team in the world who can do it like they do. They are just incredible.
“What I was really pleased about was the players and they way they handled it on the pitch thereafter. A lot has been written about these players and this England team over the last period but what I see is a group of players that can handle these occasions and rise to these occasions and they are rewarded for their work.
“We’ve had great week it’s been a brilliant part of the world to prepare but Paris is a bit special so we are looking forward to it.
“We don’t forget there’s a fair number of people who said we won’t make it out of the group and a fair number who said we would lose tonight and we’re going to be written off again I’m sure. But this team is determined to be successful.”
Fiji coach Simon Raiwalui speaking after the game to ITV
18:19 , Ben Fleming
“I’m a bit speechless at the minute but I couldn’t be prouder of the boys. We’ve worked so hard from week one. 15 weeks, now, and they’ve shown we belong on the world stage. It’s a bit of an emotional moment/
“This is a different Fijian team and the start of something special. They wanted to create a new identity and they’ve done that. A couple of mistakes today when we didn’t take our chances and we paid for it but like I said I couldn’t be prouder of this group.
“This World Cup has been unbelievable in terms of support for the game; the positivity of the global game not just the top-tier teams. You’ve got some wonderful games going on all throughout the tournament and it just shows the game is in a healthy state and we need to capitalise on that moving forward.”
Owen Farrell, England captain, speaking to ITV after the game
18:11 , Ben Fleming
“It feels good at the minute. Glad to get the job done and the fight we showed in the end against a top outfit in Fiji. There’s plenty still to go and to work on for us. It’s a good place for us to be and we’ll get after it heading into next week.”
On the defensive effort at the end: “We felt pretty calm. Obviously, the skill and power of Fiji can always hurt you at any time so you have to be on high alert and I thought we were. Ben [Earl] did a great job of getting us up the other end of the pitch to get another penalty. I wish I didn’t give away that penalty at the end – it would have been a bit easier – but the boys held on.”
On the drop goal: “We just wanted to come away from the 22 with points. We were drawing at the time and the forwards did a good job of getting us a platform and thankfully I was able to put it up.”
FULL-TIME: England 30-24 Fiji
18:03 , Ben Fleming
A classic encounter:
FULL-TIME: England 30-24 Fiji
17:59 , Ben Fleming
They may have fallen just short, but what a superb comeback that was from Fiji in that second half. Here’s a look at their two second-half tries:
FULL-TIME: England 30-24 Fiji
17:56 , Ben Fleming
Ben Earl is full of smiles as the camera pans his way. What a tournament he is having and what a run that was in the final few moments to win that huge penalty for his side late on.
FULL-TIME: England 30-24 Fiji
17:52 , Ben Fleming
England win the penalty and they have done it!
Lawes is the man at the breakdown and Fiji sink to their knees. Farrell thumps the ball into the stands and England celebrate!
What a game that was; ebbs and flows, plenty of drama right down until the final moments but it’s England who win it by six points thanks to Farrell’s late drop goal and penalty.
England 30-24 Fiji
17:51 , Ben Fleming
84 mins: Penalty but no yellow card for Farrell.
It’s a poor kick from Fiji who will have wanted more territory than that.
Lineout ball and on we go.
England 30-24 Fiji
17:50 , Ben Fleming
83 mins: Drama now as Farrell knocks the ball on going for the tackle.
Was it deliberate? That’s for TMO to decide.
And they feel it is. A penalty to Fiji and on we play. It could still be a yellow card for the England skipper.
England 30-24 Fiji
17:48 , Ben Fleming
80 mins: Still Fiji come but England have down superbly to repel the Fijian attacks thus far. They are now back past the 10 metre line and almost to the halfway line.
England 30-24 Fiji
17:46 , Ben Fleming
80 mins: A knock-on from Itoje and Fiji have a scrum in the England half.
The scrum is reset twice and we are now into the 80th minute. Fiji will need to find a converted try from this set piece or they’ll be heading home.
PENALTY! England 30-24 Fiji (Farrell, 78 mins)
17:44 , Ben Fleming
Farrell knows what he is doing as he wastes every possible second before slotting over the penalty.
England lead by six with just two minutes remaining.
England 27-24 Fiji
17:44 , Ben Fleming
77 mins: What a stunning surge from Bern Earl as he rips the Fijian defence apart to get England up the pitch in no time after the loose ball fell their way.
What’s more, Fiji give away a penalty from the resulting ruck and England have a chance at more valuable points.
England 27- 24 Fiji
17:39 , Ben Fleming
73 mins: Non-stop action here now. Lawes gets his foot in touch and concedes a lineout in a treacherous position, but the England flanker redeems himself by disrupting the lineout superbly and winning his side a penalty.
DROP GOAL! England 27- 24 Fiji (Farrell, 72 mins)
17:36 , Ben Fleming
Where have we seen that before?!
What a stellar response from England after conceding those two tries as they surge into the Fiji 22. Tuilagi comes close, Smith tries his luck, but in the end, it’s the tried and trusted drop goal from Farrell that nudges England ahead again.
How are those fingernails, England fans?
TRY! England 24- 24 Fiji (Botitu, 69 mins)
17:34 , Ben Fleming
We have a level game in Marseille!
From out of nowhere, Fiji have struck twice in a matter of minutes. It’s a huge surge through the middle of the pitch from that man Radradra and his offload finds Nasilasila who then feeds Botitu who surges under the posts.
The extra two are added and the scores are tied as we enter the final ten.
PENALTY MISSED! England 24-17 Fiji
17:33 , Ben Fleming
66 mins: All of a sudden, England are scrambling as Radradra crashes into Smith after a surging run! The England full-back has taken his fair share of punishment this game.
From there, Fiji win the penalty but it hits the post and England survive for now…
England 24-17 Fiji
17:31 , Ben Fleming
Harry Latham-Coyle reporting from the Stade Velodrome:
“Now then! Fiji’s bench has begun to make an impact, Simione Kuruvoli offering a bit of extra tempo at scrum half and front rowers Sam Matavesi and Peni Ravai providing carrying punch. A long chat beneath the posts from England, with defence coach Kevin Sinfield delivering a few key messages.”
TRY! England 24-17 Fiji (Ravai, 64 mins)
17:29 , Ben Fleming
Fiji are right back in it and what a last 15 we have in store now. Free-flowing rugby from the Pacific Islanders who go from left to right and then back again.
May does superbly to deny Fiji in the right corner but it’s Ravai who powers over at the next phase after a poor missed tackle from Itoje.
England 24-10 Fiji
17:26 , Ben Fleming
61 mins: Some more pushing and shoving, this time between Botia and Curry, but it’s all going England’s way at the minute. More success at the breakdown gives Marler and Sinckler a chance off the bench at the scrum, and the new props make no mistake and win their side another penalty.
PENALTY MISSED! England 24-10 Fiji
17:24 , Ben Fleming
58 mins: Farrell has a go from long-range as Fiji cross over each other in attack but it just comes up short.
Time running out for Fiji now.
England 24-10 Fiji
17:17 , Ben Fleming
Harry Latham-Coyle reporting from the Stade Velodrome:
“No flow at all to this second half, with the breakdown increasingly chaotic and neither side settling back into things. Fiji are a side that can score quickly, but if this game continues in such a manner then 14 points already feels like a significant gap to be closed.”
PENALTY! England 24-10 Fiji (Farrell, 54 mins)
17:16 , Ben Fleming
Fiji are offside at the breakdown as England win another penalty under the posts. Farrell knocks over another three and England extend their lead in this second half.
England 21-10 Fiji
17:15 , Ben Fleming
52 mins: Another good passage of play from England as they win the turnover from the lineout. Genge makes a great burst and eventually, Droasese is forced into touch by May after a cute kick down the line.
A great position for England now about 15 metres from the line.
England 21-10 Fiji
17:13 , Ben Fleming
51 mins: Some bruising contacts between the two sides as Fiji come flying towards the England 22 with pace. Lawes does, superbly, however, to fall onto the loose ball when it pops out of a ruck and England clear through Mitchell.
England 21-10 Fiji
17:11 , Ben Fleming
49 mins: A sweeping move from the lineout finally gives Radradra some space to move into but it’s a superb tackle from that man Earl again on the cover. Fiji have the scrum, though, on the edge of England’s 22.
England 21-10 Fiji
17:08 , Ben Fleming
45 mins: The drive is good but excellently held up by Fiji who also win the penalty. Superb defence and vital to not concede that first score early in the half.
England 21-10 Fiji
17:06 , Ben Fleming
44 mins: A brief check for a high tackle by Farrell on Radradra but nothing doing. The England fly-half pokes a cute kick into the right corner but it’s superbly defended by Radradra.
England come again and now they have a penalty! They turn down the three points and head to the corner.
KICK-OFF: England 21-10 Fiji
17:02 , Ben Fleming
Fiji get us started again after the break. The Pacific Islanders need an inspired second-half performance to get themselves back in this one.
HALF-TIME: England 21-10 Fiji
16:53 , Ben Fleming
England with the lead at the break:
HALF-TIME: England 21-10 Fiji
16:50 , Ben Fleming
Harry Latham-Coyle half-time verdict from the Stade Velodrome:
“An eleven-point lead feels about fair for England, who showed superior accuracy in attack during that first half. It’s been a properly physical contest, as expected, with Steve Borthwick’s side giving as good as they’ve got against Fiji’s phalanx of power carriers. Ellis Genge and Ollie Chessum have really set the tone, while Owen Farrell has probably answered a few critics, too, illustrating things in attack. If England add a third try soon after the interval, you wonder if the Pacific Islanders might fade – but if Fiji score next, it will very much be game on.”
HALF-TIME: England 21-10 Fiji
16:50 , Ben Fleming
Let’s have a look at the tries during the break.
England got ahead early after Tuilagi’s well-taken finish in the corner:
And Steve Borthwick’s side would add to that when Marchant went over after a well-worked move:
Some magic with the offloads got Fiji back into it, however, as Mata stormed under the posts:
HALF-TIME: England 21-10 Fiji
16:47 , Ben Fleming
England come out on top yet again at the breakdown as Earl wins the battle of the shoulders at the ruck after Tuilagi’s scything tackle.
A monster kick from Farrell gets England onto the edge of the 22 and they have a late chance at another score. Daly tries a cute chip down the left wing but it’s well defended by Fiji who clear it out.
That’s the half-time whistle, too, and it’s been a blistering pace in Marseille. England will be happy with their work and, after scores from Tuilagi and Marchant, they have a nice lead heading into the break.
PENALTY! England 21-10 Fiji (Farrell, 38 mins)
16:44 , Ben Fleming
More great work from England at the breakdown as they win yet another penalty at the breakdown!
Curry and Earl high-five in celebration and there are more cheers from the England fans in the stadium as Farrell knocks over another penalty to move his side into the twenties.
PENALTY! England 18-10 Fiji (Farrell, 34 mins)
16:39 , Ben Fleming
Farrell makes no mistake and England re-establish a two-score lead as we approach the break.
Habosi returns after his ten-minute sin-bin elapses.
England 15-10 Fiji
16:38 , Ben Fleming
Some more good news for Fiji as Habosi’s yellow card stays at just that. No red for the Fijian winger after the head clash was reviewed.
A real back-and-forth game here. Some thunderous tackles from Fiji on Itoje and Lawes as the latter is emphatically ushered into attack.
But England respond superbly, winning a scrum from the lineout and then a penalty. A chance to edge further ahead now…
England 15-10 Fiji
16:35 , Ben Fleming
Harry Latham-Coyle reporting from the Stade Velodrome:
“An excellent half-hour in a lot of ways for England, who have shown some wonderful variation in attack. But there have just been a few silly penalties, and they switched of badly there after the ball tumbled loose.”
England 15-10 Fiji (Mata, 28 mins)
16:34 , Ben Fleming
Well, perhaps I spoke too soon! What a response from Fiji as Mata bursts through to score under the posts. England are struggling to deal with Fiji’s offloads at the minute and they are caught out again here.
PENALTY MISSED! England 15-3 Fiji
16:31 , Ben Fleming
26 mins: It’s not going Fiji’s way at all in these early stages.
Two tries conceded, a man in the sin-bin and now Lomani fires wide with a penalty kick at goal from a fairly central location.
England 15-3 Fiji
16:30 , Ben Fleming
25 mins: The yellow card is under review at the minute so that could be upgraded to a red.
Smith had a really bright start at full-back so it would be a real shame to see him unable to continue.
TRY! England 15-3 Fiji (Marchant, 23 mins)
16:26 , Ben Fleming
England have another try!
Phase play and expansive rugby – where has this England side been? England batter the Fijian try line and get their just rewards as Marchant cuts back inside and finds the score.
Farrell adds the extra two and there’s more trouble for Fiji as Habosi heads to the sin bin after a head-on-head collision with Smith.
The England full-back is bloodied after that collision and heads off for some treatment.
PENALTY! England 8-3 Fiji (Lomani, 20 mins)
16:24 , Ben Fleming
Itoje makes a huge burst up the pitch but his marauding run is pulled back after a no-hands tackle from Curry in the build-up.
No card but it’s a penalty right in front of the posts and Lomani makes no mistake this time.
Fiji on the board.
PENALTY MISSED! England 8-0 Fiji
16:22 , Ben Fleming
19 mins: England are offside at the breakdown and it’s a chance for Fiji to get something back early. Lomani with the kick but it ricochets off both posts and doesn’t go over.
England maintain their eight-point lead.
TRY! England 8-0 Fiji (Tuilagi, 14 mins)
16:16 , Ben Fleming
Tuilagi at his brutish best. From the breakdown, Tuilagi sweeps around the blind side and bears down the line. It’s a good initial tackle from Fiji but the England centre’s momentum continues to propel him towards the line and his outstretched arm just touches down beyond the line.
England have the first try and a nice early lead. Farrell can’t move his side into double digits as his conversion effort comes back off the post.
PENALTY! England 3-0 Fiji (Farrell, 11 mins)
16:14 , Ben Fleming
11 mins: First blood to England as Tuilagi and Genge try their luck from the lineout. Nothing doing but they do win a penalty which Farrell knocks over with ease.
England 0-0 Fiji
16:13 , Ben Fleming
Harry Latham-Coyle reporting from the Stade Velodrome:
“That’s an outstanding defensive set from England. Ollie Chessum twice levelled a Fijian carrier, with Ellis Genge prominent, too, before Courtney Lawes jackalled strongly. Even start in Marseille.”
England 0-0 Fiji
16:12 , Ben Fleming
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
16:10 , Ben Fleming
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
16:08 , Ben Fleming
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
16:04 , Ben Fleming
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
16:02 , Ben Fleming
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
15:56 , Ben Fleming
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
15:51 , Ben Fleming
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
15:45 , Ben Fleming
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
15:43 , Ben Fleming
Plenty of costumes on display in Marseille. Should be a cracking atmosphere…
England vs Fiji – lineups
15:38 , Ben Fleming
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.
England vs Fiji
15:37 , Ben Fleming
The Independent’s Harry Latham-Coyle is in position in Marseille for this game. He sends this in before kick-off:
“A notably less intense atmosphere at the Stade Velodrome today, with a slight dip in temperature and a rather pleasant breeze cooling the fans coming in. A few Fijian flags are fluttering but it’s certainly a heavy English crowd – Steve Borthwick’s players have talked about how their supporters lifted them after Tom Curry’s sending off in their opening game against Argentina, and England will be hoping for something similar today.
“Can Fiji stun England again? There’s plenty of energy about their warm-up, the entirety of Simon Raiwalui’s squad charging about in some rather garish luminous orange shorts. England, conversely, are taking a more considered approach, engaging in a few final scrums and some kicks at goal – Owen Farrell, Marcus Smith, Elliot Daly, Ben Youngs and Freddie Steward were all testing their range.”
Ben Earl: ‘It’s time for England’s big game players to turn up’
15:33 , Ben Fleming
It has been an oft-raised question over the last four years during their muddled build-up to this World Cup – who are the world-class players in England rugby’s side? Many a rugby watcher has busied idle fingers by sketching out a composite World XV to busy idle fingers – few would have included a single Englishman among their dream 15 before this tournament.
England, it seems, have noticed.
“You see a lot of stuff on social media about world 15s and stuff and there’s probably not a huge amount of representation from England in that regard,” says flanker Ben Earl ahead of their quarter-final meeting with Argentina. “A lot of people don’t think there’s that many of us in there.
“It’s just an opinion, but at the same time we know the quality we’ve got and we know that on any given day, some of the players we have got on our team turn up and we become a very, very hard team to beat. It’s kind of now or never on Sunday.”
Ben Earl: ‘It’s time for England’s big game players to turn up’
England must ‘rise to the occasion’ against Fiji to avoid World Cup nightmare
15:28 , Ben Fleming
Steve Borthwick saw it coming. Immediately after Fiji beat England at Twickenham, his side sent off on their French adventure by a chorus of boos, Borthwick made a prediction. “We knew they were an excellent side,” the England head coach said. “I think they are going to do very well at the World Cup. There’s the potential we might meet them again in a few weeks’ time.”
And here we are, seven weeks on, with England ready to reacquaint themselves with Fiji on Sunday afternoon. This is a World Cup quarter-final that does not much look like a World Cup quarter-final – a team beaten by Portugal a week ago against one that could only scrape past Samoa by a single point in their final pool game.
Read the England head coach’s thoughts ahead of kick-off:
England must ‘rise to the occasion’ against Fiji to avoid World Cup nightmare
England ready to embrace being ‘public enemy number one’ to boost Rugby World Cup hopes
15:23 , Ben Fleming
England number eight Billy Vunipola stressed that his side are happy to be “public enemy number one” when they take on crowd favourites Fiji on Sunday.
The Pacific Islanders are back in the last eight of the Rugby World Cup for the first time in 16 years, pipping Australia to progress from Pool C despite a defeat to Portugal in Toulouse.
That set up another meeting with a nation that Simon Raiwalui’s side beat for the first time in history two weeks before this tournament began.
England will embrace role as ‘public enemy number one’ against Fiji
England coach defends Owen Farrell selection ahead of Rugby World Cup quarter-final
15:18 , Ben Fleming
England assistant coach Richard Wigglesworth has defended the under-fire Owen Farrell, suggesting that he will have a “massive impact” on their quarter-final against Fiji.
The England captain retained his place in the side for Sunday’s clash but is under scrutiny after a lacklustre showing against Samoa in England’s final pool fixture.
Farrell surpassed Jonny Wilkinson as his country’s leading test points scorer in the win, but the reuniting of the Saracen with old playmaking partner George Ford at ten and 12 failed to get England’s attack clicking as hoped.
England coach defends Owen Farrell selection: ‘He’s a winner’
Jamie George sends message to England teammates ahead of Rugby World Cup quarter-final with Fiji
15:13 , Ben Fleming
Jamie George has urged his England teammates to channel the “emotion” of a pressure occasion as they take on Fiji in the quarter-finals of the Rugby World Cup.
Many of the England squad have been drawing on memories of the knockout period four years ago, when a side then coached by Eddie Jones lifted their level to beat Australia and then New Zealand to reach the final.
George was a key figure in that side and remains of paramount importance to Steve Borthwick, with England’s lack of hooker depth a concern.
Jamie George sends message to England teammates ahead of World Cup quarter-final
Joe Marler reveals why clubmate Marcus Smith will ‘thrive’ for England against Fiji
15:08 , Ben Fleming
Joe Marler has backed Harlequins teammate Marcus Smith to “thrive” in England’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final against Fiji.
Smith has been handed the biggest opportunity of his young career in Marseille, given only a second international start at full-back with Steve Borthwick making a significant selection call.
Freddie Steward had started 29 of England’s last 30 tests at the position, but Smith takes over after a series of impressive cameos at this tournament.
Marler has watched Smith’s development closely with both Harlequins in England, with the teenage star guiding his club to Premiership triumph in 2021.
The prop believes that there has always been something different about the 24-year-old.
Joe Marler reveals why clubmate Marcus Smith will ‘thrive’ for England against Fiji
England must stop Fiji’s ‘Demolition Man’ in crunch Rugby World Cup quarter-final
15:03 , Ben Fleming
Fiji take on England in Marseille looking to advance to their first Rugby World Cup semi-final.
The Pacific Islanders last reached this stage in 2007, but will be confident they can challenge a side they beat in a warm-up fixture seven weeks ago.
The momentum England had built early in this tournament was somewhat stalled by a sloppy win against Samoa, but Steve Borthwick hopes a couple of bold selection calls will jolt his team back into life.
Here are three key areas that could decide the quarter-final:
England vs Fiji: Three key areas to decide World Cup quarter-final
England vs Fiji
14:58 , Ben Fleming
Just over an hour to go now…
Another chapter in the saga of Owen Farrell and George Ford as England make bold selection call
14:53 , Ben Fleming
It is the boldest selection call of Steve Borthwick’s time as England coach so far. Up ratchets the pressure in quarter-final week, out goes the fly half who handled the intensity and scrutiny so well in England’s World Cup opener. After building a kicking strategy around a full-back with real aerial command, now comes a dramatic shift to a man of altogether different talents.
This feels a selection that will come to inform the public’s perception of Steve Borthwick as England coach – both at this tournament and beyond. If it goes well, both in terms of performance and result, it could solidify his standing as the man to take the team forwards, a calculated gambler with regardless of what follows at this tournament. If Owen Farrell and Marcus Smith falter, though, Borthwick will find himself under severe scrutiny.
Read Harry Latham-Coyle’s thoughts on England’s choice of personnel for today’s big clash:
George Ford and Owen Farrell saga continues as England make bold selection call
England vs Fiji – lineups
14:48 , Ben Fleming
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
14:43 , Ben Fleming
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
14:39 , Ben Fleming
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
15:03 , Ben Fleming
The fans are here in their droves. What an atmosphere it should be today in Marseille.
England vs Fiji – LIVE
Friday 13 October 2023 16:07 , The Independent
If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch major sporting events then you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN roundup is here to help: get great deals on the best VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are and also with the terms of their service provider.
Welcome
Thursday 12 October 2023 17:05 , Imogen Ainsworth
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.
Article courtesy of
Source link
