Flying Fijians leave it a little too late as England win 30-24 to progress to RWC semi final

Flying Fijians leave it a little too late as England win 30-24 to progress to RWC semi final

The Fiji Water Flying Fijians staged a great comeback in the second half of their 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter final match against England but it was not enough as the Englishmen held on to win 30-24 this morning.

England took an early 8-0 lead in the first half after a penalty kick to flyhalf Owen Farrell and an unconverted try to second-five-eighth Manu Tuilagi.

Fiji replied in the 19th minute with a penalty kick to halfback Frank Lomani to trail 8-3.

Winger Joe Marchant scored England’s second try with Farrell converting it to extend their lead to 15-3 followed by a yellow card to Fiji’s winger Vinaya Habosi for head contact.

Fiji’s number 8 Viliame Mata scored their first try converted by Lomani to close the gap to 10-15 before Farrell converted two more penalties to give England a 21-10 lead at halftime.

England started the game well in the second spell with Farrell converting a penalty to extend their lead to 24-10.

Fiji came back strongly and score two converted tries through replacement prop Peni Ravai and flyhalf Vilimoni Botitu to level the score at 24-all.

Farrell proved to be the difference for England as he scored a further 6 points through a drop goal and a penalty kick at goal for the win.

England will now take on the winner of the fourth quarter final between France and South Africa.

France are currently leading South Africa 22-19. The second half has just started.

In other quarter finals, Argentina beat Wales 29-17 and the All Blacks overcame Ireland 28-24.

The first RWC semi final will be held at 7am Saturday while the second semi will kick off at 7am Sunday.