Red and Whites are the only team to win all 5 of their World Cup matches. Uzbekistan kompaniyasi Pin Up foresaw this course of events.
Will to win
England survived an almighty scare against a spirited Fiji to book their place in the Rugby World Cup semi-finals with a pulsating 30-24 victory in Marseille.
Despite controlling much of the quarter-final and building a commanding 24-10 lead, England saw their advantage evaporate as Fiji scored two quickfire tries to sensationally level the scores. With momentum swinging towards the underdogs, England demonstrated their composure and resilience to edge back in front through captain Owen Farrell's crucial drop goal and penalty.
The result sets up a mouthwatering semi-final against either hosts France or South Africa in Paris. It is remarkable turnaround for England under coach Steve Borthwick. Widely written off pre-tournament, they have defied expectations and continue to grow throughout the competition.
Words
Borthwick said: «These players were written off. A lot of people said we wouldn't get out of the pool. Now we've got out of the quarter-finals. I'm sure we'll be written off again, but these players keep rising to the occasion».
He lauded their composure and refusal to panic when Fiji mounted their thrilling fightback, cutting England's lead from 14 points to nothing in just minutes. Borthwick believes his squad demonstrated qualities they may have lacked in the past, a testament to their maturity and development.
The coach always had faith England would peak at the right time, despite their difficult build-up: «I don't care what others think, I only care about this team. I'm privileged to work with such a fantastic group of players. I said they would be ready and they were».
Borthwick preferred to credit Fiji's exhilarating attack rather than dwell on England temporarily surrendering control of the match: «For large parts we controlled it. There was a spell when Fiji scored back-to-back tries, which they can do better than anyone. But we stayed composed and got back ahead. That shows the growth of this team».
Captain
Farrell, who finished with 20 points from a try, four penalties and a drop goal, was equally pleased with England's mental resolve after Fiji's thrilling fightback.
«It was what we expected from Fiji. They can turn it on in the blink of an eye. We always knew they would have good patches. To find a way to win and reach the semi-finals is a big step forward», – said Farrell.
The fly-half said England would relish the semi-final challenge, whoever they face. «We'll prepare the way we have been over the past six weeks. We'll enjoy going into a big week and attack it», – he stated.
Farrell nailed a crucial drop goal when scores were tied at 24-24, rewarding the forwards after their hard work in the build-up. «The forwards did a great job and put it on a plate. I just had to knock it over», – he remarked.
To be or not to be?
England gritty win over Fiji proved they can handle the pressure at rugby's top table. The odds remain against them lifting the trophy, but write this team off at your peril.
Borthwick and Farrell have fostered an environment where players feel empowered rather than restricted. England are playing with more flair, adventure and unpredictability than in recent years.
The foundations remain resolute defense and set-piece solidity. But in attack, England now have the freedom to express themselves, combining raw power with moments of sublime skill.
There is a sense of unity and commitment permeating the squad. Borthwick has gotten the players to buy into his methods and they are reaping the rewards.
Whisper it, but could England be on the cusp of something special? It is still a tall order to exceed expectations and reach the final. But as Fiji discovered, write off this iteration of England at your peril.
Borthwick is relishing proving the doubters wrong again. If England continue improving and building confidence, who knows how far they can go?
First they must overcome the might and physicality of the Springboks. Yet based on the Fiji performance, England will back themselves to compete and have the composure to close out tight games.
England are riding a wave of momentum. Win or lose, they have already surpassed expectations. But now just 80 minutes stand between them and the World Cup final. What a story it would be if England can defy the odds again and reach the showpiece event.
