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England through to Rugby World Cup semi-final against South Africa after victory over Fiji

England are the only northern hemisphere team through to the last four, after defeats for France, Ireland and Wales, but they needed the kicking brilliance of captain Owen Farrell to get past a determined Fiji side.

Manu Tuilagi scores England's opening try. Pic: AP
Image: Manu Tuilagi scores England's opening try. Pic: AP
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England are through to the last four of the Rugby World Cup after a 30-24 victory over Fiji in their quarter-final in Marseille.

Steve Borthwick's men will now face South Africa in the second semi-final on Saturday after the holders beat hosts France 29-28 in a thrilling encounter in Paris.

New Zealand play Argentina in the other tie on Friday.

First-half tries by Manu Tuilagi and Joe Marchant helped put England 21-10 ahead of the Islanders at the break at Stade Velodrome.

Viliame Mata, Peni Ravai and Vilimoni Botitu crossed for Fiji, who won the hearts of many fans during the tournament through their exciting, attacking approach.

Solid kicking by England captain Owen Farrell, who scored 20 points, made the difference.

It means England are into the semis for the second world cup in a row as they seek a second win in the tournament.

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Fiji's Viliame Mata scores his side's opening try. Pic: AP
Image: Fiji's Viliame Mata scores his side's opening try. Pic: AP

Fiji, who recorded an upset pool win over Australia, had only beaten England once before Sunday, winning 30-22 in a warm-up game at Twickenham six weeks ago.

When the full-time whistle sounded, the Islanders collapsed to the floor in disappointment.

England topped their group after four wins from four, despite rarely impressing critics with their style.

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England's Owen Farrell put England ahead late on with a drop goal. Pic: AP
Image: England's Owen Farrell put England ahead late on with a drop goal. Pic: AP

England are the only side from the northern hemisphere through to the last four, after France's loss and defeats for Ireland and Wales on Saturday.

Borthwick's unfancied side have already surpassed expectations given they entered the tournament on the back of five defeats in six Tests.

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The Princess of Wales was among the crowd in Marseille.

After a pulsating finish to the match, former England captain and world cup winner, Lawrence Dallaglio, posted on social media platform, X: "Rugby bloody hell - what a sport."