Owen Farrell steers England into World Cup semi-finals after Fiji fightbackBy Duncan Bech, PA England Rugby Correspondent, MarseilleOwen Farrell steered England into the semi-finals of the World Cup after Steve Borthwick’s side faced down a Fiji fightback in a dramatic 30-24 victory in Marseille. The second half was more ragged and England’s play was frantic at times, lacking the control evident earlier, but the scoreboard kept ticking over as Farrell extended their lead to14 points. Fiji lost the ball time and again, preventing them from building any momentum, but they faced a muscular defence. Farrell replied with his drop-goal and when Earl broke clear to relieve the pressure of a Fiji attack, sprinting 60 metres downfield, a penalty was forced that Farrell rifled over. The Islanders fell short with one final attack and when the full-time whistle sounded they collapsed to the floor in disappointment.

Source: Irish Independent October 15, 2023 19:12 UTC