Rugby World Cup quarter-final: England beat Fiji
Last Sunday, England put up a tough fight against Fiji in the Rugby World Cup quarter-final in Marseille. The English managed to win by a short header with a final score of 30-24, allowing them to qualify for the semi-finals. They will face the winner of the match between France and South Africa.
Captain Owen Farrell was one of the key players in this English victory. His composure and efficiency against the posts allowed his team to take a crucial lead from the start of the match. In the 11th minute, he opened the scoring with a penalty, then two minutes later, three-quarter center Manu Tuilagi scored a power try, thus offering a first advantage of 8 points to the XV de la Rose.
The English were able to take advantage of their effective forward pack to deprive the Fijians of balls. Their controlled play and their occupation of the opposing camp allowed their three-quarters to stand out. Joe Marchant took the opportunity in the 21st minute to score another try, transformed by Farrell. On the Fijian side, indiscipline was their main weakness, and number 9 Frank Lomani only managed to score 3 points from penalties during this first period.
Despite the temporary expulsion of Fijian winger Vinaya Habosi in the 23rd minute, the Fijians managed to score a try thanks to third row Viliame Mata during this numerical inferiority. The English, however, were able to remain solid and continued to score points, returning to the locker room with a lead of 11 points (21-10).
In the second half, the English resumed the match at the same pace, looking to knock out their opponents for good. Despite many physical efforts and fierce tackles from the Fijians, the English managed to collect additional points and seemed to be heading towards a quiet victory (24-10).
But the Fijians have not said their last word. They scored two tries in the space of five minutes, thanks to prop Peni Ravai and fly-half Vilimoni Botitu, bringing the two teams level (24-24). The match became intense and close until the last minute.
It was ultimately thanks to the foot of Owen Farrell that the English managed to regain the lead. In the 72nd minute, he scored a valuable drop, then three additional points on a final penalty, bringing his total to 20 points in this quarter-final won with difficulty by England (30-24).
This victory allows England to continue their journey in the competition and qualify for the semi-finals. Their next opponent will be the winner of the match between France and South Africa, which promises to be a thrilling duel.
In conclusion, this quarter-final was a real fight between England and Fiji, with twists and turns and palpable tension until the last minute. The English were able to resist the Fijian assaults and win thanks to better control and the efficiency of Owen Farrell. They continue their journey in the Rugby World Cup, with growing hope of winning the coveted title.