England has booked a semi final showdown against France with a 28-17 victory over Wales tonight at Suncorp Stadium.
The steady boot of Jonny Wilkinson brought the English home with six second half penalties included in his 23 personal point haul. Wilkinson was also aided by replacement Mike Catt who was brought on as substitute at half time for Dan Luger.
The 32 year old Catt gave his side an extra dimension in attack and his kicking in general play was exceptional.
The English juggernaut rolled on in the second half as they gained control of the match through Wilkinson’s accuracy, however when the Welsh scored a try through Martyn Williams the Welsh finished the game in a flurry.
Although they finished on the wrong end of the scoreboard the Welsh did score three tries to one, with Will Greenwood scoring England’s sole five pointer. Greenwood finished a great run by electrifying fullback Jason Robinson who beat four defenders with sheer pace from a searing kick return.
An upset on the cards from the first whistle
Wales came close to causing the upset of the Tournament with a spirited performance.
They started with the same vigour that pushed the All Blacks last week as the game opened with great intensity.
The nerves showed on both kickers with Jonny Wilkinson and Stephen Jones hitting the post on their first attempts on goal.
Wilkinson was on target with his second attempt and England were up 3-0 after 17 minutes.
England had plenty of possession and were and able to put together plenty of phases, at one stage completing ten phases and then nine, but the Welsh defence stayed strong.
Wing Williams a standout
The Welsh then set the cat amongst the pigeons when Jones scored a great counter attacking try. Wing Shane Williams, who was a stand out all match, collected a kick with only Ben Kay in front of him and the speedster showed a clean pair of heels. Some slick passing then found the fly half and the crowd erupted as he dived over.
With a game plan set on disrupting the English structure, the Welsh had the monument and when Colin Charvis dived over the Red Dragons were ecstatic.
England will now play France in the second semi final next Sunday at Telstra Stadium for a chance to play in the RWC final.
England 28
Tries: Greenwood
Conversions: Wilkinson
Penalties: Wilkinson 6
Drop goals: Wilkinson
Defeated
Wales 17
Tries: Stephen Jones, Colin Charvis, Martyn Williams
Conversions: Iestyn Harris