England held their nerve in a dramatic, lung-busting finish to surge into the Rugby World Cup semi-finals on Sunday. Steve Borthwick’s men were outscored by three tries to two by Fiji but the boot of Owen Farrell made the difference as the finalists of four years ago delivered when it mattered to eliminate the darlings of the tournament and march onto Paris next weekend.
First half touchdowns from centres Manu Tuilagi and Joe Marchant and 20 points from the boot of Farrell – including a drop goal eight minutes from time – ultimately did the damage.
There had been a very mixed reception for Farrell from the travelling Red Rose army when the England captain’s name was read out by the stadium announcer before kick-off but by the final whistle they were cheering his every move. He produced on the big occasion yet again.
It was Tuilagi who crossed for the first try in the 14th minute. The England centre spun his way over down the blind side from Farrell’s pass after the pack had driven a maul deep into the danger zone.
England had a let-off when Frank Lomani hit a post with a penalty after full-back Marcus Smith was caught in possession attempting to run from deep. But Fiji’s scrum-half was on the mark in the 20th minute to put the Pacific Islanders on the scoreboard after Tom Curry had been pulled up for a ‘no arms’ tackle.
Marchant stretched over for England’s second try in the 23rd minute after some snappy build-up play. And to make matters worse for Fiji, Vinaya Habosi was sin-binned by referee Mathieu Raynal after a dangerous tackle on Smith in the build-up. A bloodied Smith departed for a head injury assessment which thankfully he passed.
Down to 14 men, Fiji then produced the sort of try that only they can fashion with No 8 Viliame Mata touching down Botia’s through-the-legs pass after an outrageous dummy. It was spectacular rugby but with Farrell keeping England ticking over from the kicking tee, Borthwick’s side were able to take a 21-10 lead into the break.
Farrell extended the advantage when the under-pressure Fijians were caught offside and the semi-final homed into view. But with the Pacific Islanders flinging the ball everywhere, replacement prop Peni Ravai thundered over in the 64th minute for Fiji’s second try.
Five minutes later Fiji were level. Semi Radradra, increasingly influential, put second row Isoa Nasilasila through a hole in the England defence and Vilimino Botitu finished. In a flash Fiji were level. However Farrell, choosing the George Ford option, edged England back in front with a 72nd minute drop-goal. And his fifth penalty late on after a barnstorming run from Ben Earl gave them a cushion they held after a breathless finale.
