World Rugby 2007: England v France - Rugby World Cup
The Rugby World Cup clash between England and France in 2007 was a gripping encounter that showcased the intensity and drama of knockout rugby.
England, having defeated Australia in the previous round, faced familiar foes in France, who had stunned the All Blacks in the quarterfinals. In a tense battle, England seized an early lead through Josh Lewsey's try, setting the tone for a closely contested match. However, France fought back, with Lionel Beauxis's accurate kicking giving them the advantage. Despite England's resilience, France held a narrow lead going into halftime. The second half saw both teams trade penalties, with the match hanging in the balance.
In a decisive moment, Jonny Wilkinson's precision kicking secured victory for England, propelling them to the final against the Springboks. The match epitomized the drama and unpredictability of Rugby World Cup knockout stages, leaving fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.