England face Fiji in their final warm-up fixture before the Rugby World Cup begins in desperate need of an encouraging performance.
It’s been a tough August for Steve Borthwick’s side, beaten in Cardiff and Dublin either side of a narrow win over a weak Wales. To compound matters, both Owen Farrell and Billy Vunipola will miss England’s World Cup opener against Argentina after receiving bans. This last Summer Nations Series encounter is their last chance to build momentum into the tournament, with the home side skippered by Courtney Lawes on the occasion of the flanker’s 100th cap.
With England in such a state, Fiji, who have never beaten their hosts, may just fancy their chances at Twickenham. Simon Raiwalui’s side have impressed over the summer and hopes are high on the Pacific Island that they can challenge Wales and Australia for a quarter-final place in Pool C at the tournament.
Follow all the latest from England vs Fiji below.
England vs Fiji – Rugby World Cup warm-up
England 8-3 Fiji, 29 minutes
15:46 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Dan Cole has a bit of blood on his face, which will require attention before the tighthead is permitted to take his place in the front row of an England defensive scrum. A lovely attacking position for Fiji, this, virtually centrefield and just inside England’s half.
England 8-3 Fiji, 27 minutes
15:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle
England just can’t hang on to the ball! Matavesi overthrows but Theo Dan spills at the tail, before Courtney Lawes follows an outstanding defensive intervention – blocking an offload with Selestino Ravutaumada looking to canter on to it – with a fumble of his own.
Semi Radradra’s handling is also not quite there – it’s a bit of a messy affair, all told, with the pitch having taken on so much moisture in that almighty downpour.
England 8-3 Fiji, 25 minutes
15:43 , Harry Latham-Coyle
The two sides trade errors in possession, with Maro Itoje sharp to snare a loose ball as it spills from a Fiji ruck but Ollie Lawrence’s decision to kick foolish on the right, Lawrence’s stab hitting Fijian shins and then scooped up by the touchline.
England are offside. Caleb Muntz prods up the right and Sam Matavesi will throw 25 metres out,
England 8-3 Fiji, 24 minutes
15:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Yowzer! Semi Radradra locks on to his target and missiles in to George Ford, sending the England fly half sprawling back towards his own tryline.
Ford’s mates help him out, and strip Radradara of the ball to prevent the centre threatening further. Alex Mitchell hooks a clearance up to halfway.
England 8-3 Fiji, 23 minutes
15:38 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Revenge for Luke Tagi, putting the hurt on Ellis Genge who is pinged for hinging. The England looshead prop shrugs as he retreats – I’m not sure he agreed.
Fiji down into England’s 22.
England 8-3 Fiji, 21 minutes
15:37 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Fiji are starting to settle in, their array of ball carriers laying a platform and allowing Frank Lomani to go to the air, with Selestino Ravutaumada’s right hand piercing Freddie Steward’s grip and forcing a fumble.
Frank Lomani cops a sore one, and Fiji cry foul, but Jaco Peyper believes the scrum half slipped into the tackle and thus there’s nothing illicit from the English tackler.
The rain, mercifully, appears to be relenting – this is how Jonny May got his unexpected international comeback off to a perfect start.
England 8-3 Fiji, 19 minutes
15:34 , Harry Latham-Coyle
This rain will probably prevent much of extravagance from England, with all of their possession post-restart kicked. Another nicely flighted box kick from Alex Mitchell ends up in Theo Dan’s hands, but the hooker is squeezed in a vice by two Fijian forwards and the ball pops out of his grasp.
PENALTY! England 8-3 FIJI (Caleb Muntz penalty, 18 minutes)
15:32 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A lovely strike from Caleb Muntz, whose kick from 45 metres out bisects the uprights with plenty of carry still to spare. Fiji are on the board.
England 8-0 Fiji, 16 minutes
15:31 , Harry Latham-Coyle
England’s backs are offside as Fiji play away from the scrum. Caleb Muntz wipes water from his eyes as the tee is called on.
England 8-0 Fiji, 15 minutes
15:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle
The rain would now best be described as biblical, ponchos hurriedly pulled on by those not protected by Twickenham’s roof. You can forgive, then, Freddie Steward not quite grasping a kick sent up into the clouds – Fiji’s scrum on halfway.
England 8-0 Fiji, 14 minutes
15:29 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Fiji get themselves in a bit of a tangle but an England knock on spares their blushes. The visitors’ scrum just about remains stable as Dan Cole and Ellis Genge again try to put the pressure on, allowing a clearance up to Freddie Steward.
Steward hoists high…and England have it back, Fiji’s backfield all over the place with Max Malins in pursuit. A kick is flipped over the top for May to hare after, but Selestino Ravutaumada turns swiftly enough to beat the England win to the bouncing ball.
England 8-0 Fiji, 11 minutes
15:27 , Harry Latham-Coyle
The heavens have most definitely opened, with great buckets of water tumbling down. Alex Mitchell has started well, weighting his second box kick nicely to allow May another chance to contest, before finding the corner with a box for territrory that skips out of play 15 metres from the Fiji line.
TRY! ENGLAND 8-0 Fiji (Jonny May try, 10 minutes)
15:24 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Back in the side with a try!
England’s forwards lay the platform, Ellis Genge and Dan Cole winning their scrum-time skirmishes and letting the backs go to work with an advantage in their pocket. A wide pass from George Ford lands in Jonny May’s hands and the wing puts his foot down, unfurling a fierce fend to the chest of Selestino Ravutaumada to power over in the corner.
England 3-0 Fiji, 8 minutes
15:23 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A chip ahead lands at Fijian feet, which toe it forward into a teammate. The ball ricochets to Lawrence in an advanced position but support is lacking and England can’t make more of their lucky break – back for a scrum for accidental offside.
England 3-0 Fiji, 7 minutes
15:22 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Jonny May shows off his ability in the air, rising with excellent amplitude to gather a high bomb on the left. England sweep to the right, where Ollie Lawrence injects tempo with a jab off the right boot and acceleration between a couple of defenders.
PENALTY! ENGLAND 3-0 Fiji (George Ford penalty, 6 minutes)
15:21 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A straightforward starter for George Ford, who pops it through with minimal fuss.
England 0-0 Fiji, 4 minutes
15:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle
That’s better from the hooker, thrusting and threatening as a midfield carrier after England earn possession back. Jaco Peyper has an arm of advantage extended with Fiji offside at the lineout – and when England’s attack comes to zilch, George Ford points at the posts…
England 0-0 Fiji, 3 minutes
15:18 , Harry Latham-Coyle
But England’s ambitions are capped by an errant Theo Dan throw.
England 0-0 Fiji, 2 minutes
15:18 , Harry Latham-Coyle
But Courtney Lawes answers his former Northampton teammate’s turnover with one of his own, spearing breakdown ball as Fiji fail to make ground near halfway. England kick down into Fiji’s 22.
England 0-0 Fiji, 1 minute
15:17 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Frank Lomani takes the kick off, with his clearance shorter than he’d like. England can attack from about 30 metres out.
Manu Tuilagi almost bashes in the front door with his first carry and the hosts start to work the phases. Tuilagi carries again on an out-to-in line, stepping off his right foot, but Lomani latches over the ball superbly to win the turnover. This Fijian fifteen are pretty much all useful jackalers, with so many of them honing their ability over the ball in sevens.
KICK OFF!
15:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle
George Ford will get things started, the fly half waiting for Jaco Peyper’s peep of permission before dropping boot to ball. The South African referee obliges – off we go!
15:13 , Harry Latham-Coyle
England, sporting their change navy strip, gather in a line as Fiji lay down the challenge with the Cibi.
One last chance for these two to work out their kinks before the World Cup – a win, surely, is a must for England.
England vs Fiji
15:12 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A few of England’s unused, suspended or injured squad members wander out to take seats in the otherwise unoccupied top tier, joining their squadmates on the pitch in singing along to “God Save the King”.
England vs Fiji
15:08 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Courtney Lawes emerges from the tunnel, his four kids alongside him, all in “Lawes 100” shirts, which is a lovely touch. A fine ovation for a fine servant, who poses for a couple of pictures before joining his teammates for the anthems.
Engladn vs Fiji
15:07 , Harry Latham-Coyle
England have never been less prepared as they face final Rugby World Cup warm-up
England vs Fiji
15:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Twickenham’s bottom two tiers are starting to fill – the RFU were hoping to get up towards 60,000, but I think they’ll be short of that.
England vs Fiji: Match Officials
15:01 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Referee: Jaco Peyper (RSA)
ARs: Pierre Brousset (FRA) & Hollie Davidson (SCO)
TMO: Brian MacNeice (IRE)
England vs Fiji
14:56 , Harry Latham-Coyle
It has now clouded over, with a bit of a chill in the Twickenham air and the threat of rain ever more present. Let’s hope it stays away.
Rugby World Cup 2023 schedule, fixtures, match dates and kick-off times
14:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Rugby World Cup 2023 schedule, fixtures, dates and kick-off times
England vs Fiji
14:46 , Harry Latham-Coyle
There’s a big band of grey cloud threatening the blow over Twickenham, but for now the sun is out and bright with the two sides getting warm. The top tier isn’t open today, which is indicative of the trouble the RFU have had shifting tickets for this one, but there are plenty of families in on a bank holiday weekend, and a fair few Fiji flags fluttering, too.
Courtney Lawes credits Eddie Jones for helping him to 100 England caps
14:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Courtney Lawes credits Eddie Jones for giving his career a second wind as he prepares to joins the ranks of England’s Test centurions.
Lawes leads England into Saturday’s World Cup send-off against Fiji at Twickenham playing for the head coach – Steve Borthwick – who was also his captain when he made his debut against Australia in 2009.
The 34-year-old back row warrior has shown tenacity to overcome a host of significant injuries, but his reinvention from defensive hitman to model blindside flanker was not reward for his efforts alone.
First inspired by Northampton forwards coach Dorian West as he was finding his feet as an 18-year-old second row, it was not until Eddie Jones took charge of England in 2015 that his game evolved again.
“In my early days it was Dorian West who had the biggest impact. I say that begrudgingly because he’ll love that!” Lawes said.
“Dorian was a big influence on me, helping me get that bit of edge and to become a tough player. He really built that into me. Then later on it was definitely Eddie.
“When I stopped progressing as a player he was the one who came in and really gave me the boot to push me on to be the player I could be. And I’m very thankful for that.
“He dropped me first, but then he gave me a couple of ultimatums that I took away and worked at.
“He told me I needed to keep hitting people and I needed to carry better, become the ball-carrier I was when I was younger.”
Courtney Lawes credits Eddie Jones for helping him to 100 England caps
Kevin Sinfield says England’s pre-World Cup setbacks are bringing squad together
14:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Kevin Sinfield insists England have remained united despite being buffeted by multiple setbacks before the World Cup has even begun.
Fiji’s visit to Twickenham on Saturday completes a warm-up campaign that has seen England’s record deteriorate to four defeats in five matches, leaving them bereft of form ahead of their pivotal Pool D clash with Argentina on September 9.
Some of the challenges facing Steve Borthwick’s men – such as the bans for high tackles issued to Owen Farrell and Billy Vunipola – have been of their own making, but injury has struck too.
Anthony Watson has followed Jack van Poortvliet out of the original 33-man squad named by Borthwick and there are concerns over two more frontline stars in Tom Curry and Elliot Daly.
Sinfield insists that despite the adversity, England’s squad is showing no signs of splintering into cliques.
“We were a tight group already, but how you handle those setbacks and those obstacles are really important to how the team moves forward and how the team functions,” defence coach Sinfield said.
“After each one of those blows – if you call them that – we’ve got back up and gone again. We’ll continue to do that. These obstacles will continue to bring us closer together.
Kevin Sinfield says England’s pre-World Cup setbacks are bringing squad together
Centres of attention
14:34 , Harry Latham-Coyle
I’m pretty certain this is England’s heaviest ever starting centre partnership, with Manu Tuilagi and Ollie Lawrence paired together for the first time and offering all sorts of direct threat. It’s hard not to get excited about the damage they might be able to do, though England will be concerned about the lack of distributing hands in their backline.
Lawrence is better in that regard than one might initially assume, and I’d expect to see Max Malins roaming a lot to provide linking fingers and feet, but Fiji will know what England’s primary plan of attack might be.
Fiji’s centre duo aren’t half bad, either. Semi Radradra and Waisea Nayacalevu would both confess to being more comfortable at 13 and I’d expect them to interchange plenty, two ridiculous athletes who have also become really intelligent decision-makers. Caleb Muntz still has developing to do at fly half but he’s got the right men alongside him, and Fiji will surely test the lateral mobility of England’s centres.
Can Simon Raiwalui mastermind a Fiji shock?
14:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Simon Raiwalui was installed as head coach earlier this year after Vern Cotter’s abrupt departure in February. There are few more respected figures in Fijian rugby than the former lock, who travelled the world as a player and has experience in a number of coaching set-ups and club structures since retiring.
He’s made a real impact with this Fijian squad, too, shrewdly opting to build around a spine from the Fijian Drua. The club’s introduction to Super Rugby Pacific has provided Fiji’s domestic-based players with consistent, competitive action, which has built real continuity over the last couple of years. The World Cup may come slightly too soon for the full impact of the Drua’s development to show, but their set piece really solidified this season and a new group of leaders are starting to step up, which has helped Raiwalui build his national team into one that genuinely believes they can make a deep tournament run.
“He’s had a massive impact on us as a coach,” lock Isoa Nasilasila said of Raiwalui yesterday. “Not only as a coach, but someone we can look to for advice. He’s been all around the globe, [played in] France and England. He gives us a lot of tips and advice in how to handle ourselves. He’s great in the coaching aspect, too.
“[Our game] has definitely evolved. We are trying to get the technicalities of something in there, not just go to the backs or offload. We are trying to build something first and then play from there. It’s definitely evolved a lot over the last few years.”
Kyle Sinckler emerges as World Cup doubt
14:24 , Harry Latham-Coyle
In another bit of bad news for the RFU, today’s Twickenham programme cover star is Kyle Sinckler, out of this game with a pectoral problem and perhaps a doubt for the World Cup, too. England insist they are confident that the tighthead will be fit for their opener against Argentina but it is worth remembering that Sinckler hasn’t started at all this summer, and the prop can sometimes be a player who needs time to work up to full form.
I think, ideally, England would have liked Will Stuart to really seize the three shirt having given him starts in the all three warm-ups so far, but the Bath front rower struggled in Dublin last weekend and might have fallen back down the pecking order.
It makes today surprisingly big for Dan Cole, starting for the first time since England’s pool stage encounter with the USA at the last World Cup. England might usually expect to dominate Fiji at scrum time but Eroni Mawi has honed his scrummaging skills with Saracens over the last couple of seasons, and Luke Tagi can anchor well on the tighthead. I still think England may try to play conservatively and grind their visitors down, but if Fiji can retain set-piece parity, England will really have to look out.
May day
14:21 , Harry Latham-Coyle
The problems just continue to come for England, with Anthony Watson’s injury a bitter blow for a player who has had to deal with plenty of strife over the last couple of years, and, of course, for Steve Borthwick, with Watson surely having been inked in as one of his wing World Cup starters.
To further complicate matters, both Elliot Daly and Henry Arundell are currently dealing with injuries – the latter was staggering about like an ageing prop forward at England’s captain’s run yesterday as he tries to fight off what has been described as a “freak back spasm”.
Enter, then, Jonny May, who we expect to be confirmed as Watson’s replacement in the World Cup squad on Sunday or Monday having been in and around England camp over the last few weeks since missing out on the initial 33. Joe Cokanasiga and Guy Porter have also been involved in training this week but you can understand why the Gloucester wing was Borthwick’s first mayday call, the 33-year-old’s professionalism and meticulous preparation often picked out as an example to younger players by his coaches.
That said, May has had a rough old run, with a knee injury compounded by contracting Covid on England’s tour of Australia last summer, and the wing hasn’t perhaps found top gear at club level for a little while. Having been presented with an unexpected opportunity to impress ahead of the tournament, May will be keen to produce a good showing against a talented, but inexperienced, Fijian back three today.
Team News – Fiji
14:18 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Fiji are without a couple of stars in flanker Levani Botia and Josua Tuisova, and prop Peni Ravai is also a significant absentee. There is plenty of quality in Simon Rawailui’s group, though, with Semi Radradra and skipper Waisea Nayacelevu offering a varied midfield threat outside of young fly half Caleb Muntz.
Albert Tuisue and Viliame Mata will shoulder much of the ball carrying burden from the back row, while Selestino Ravutaumada has enjoyed a strong first summer in international rugby and gets another opportunity to impress on the wing.
Fiji XV: Eroni Mawi, Sam Matavesi (co-capt.), Luke Tagi; Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Isoa Nasilasila; Albert Tuisue, Lekima Tagitagivalu, Viliame Mata; Frank Lomani, Caleb Muntz; Vinaya Habosi, Semi Radradra, Waisea Nayacalevu (co-capt.), Selestino Ravutaumada; Ilaisa Droasese.
Replacements: Zuriel Togitama, Jone Koroiduadua, Samu Tawaka, Temo Mayanavanua, Vilive Miramira; Simione Kuruvoli, Teti Tela, Kalaveti Ravouvou.
Team News – England
14:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle
News of Anthony Watson’s injury comes as another major blow for England ahead of the World Cup, Jonny May has been called in to the starting side as cover with Elliot Daly (knee) and Henry Arundell (back) also absent this weekend, though Steve Borthwick is confident both will be fit for the tournament. In Billy Vunipola’s absence, Ben Earl slides across from the openside with Jack Willis promoted to the starting back row.
That trio is completed by Courtney Lawes, captaining his country on the occasion of his 100th cap, while there are first international starts for Theo Dan and Alex Mitchell at hooker and scrum half respectively. Manu Tuilagi joins Ollie Lawrence in a power-packed midfield.
England XV: Ellis Genge, Theo Dan, Dan Cole; Maro Itoje, Ollie Chessum; Courtney Lawes (capt.), Jack Willis, Ben Earl; Alex Mitchell, George Ford; Jonny May, Manu Tuilagi, Ollie Lawrence, Max Malins; Freddie Steward.
Replacements: Jack Walker, Joe Marler, Will Stuart, David Ribbans, Lewis Ludlam; Danny Care, Marcus Smith, Joe Marchant.
England vs Fiji
14:11 , Harry Latham-Coyle
One last warm-up, then, for England and Fiji with less than a fortnight until the World Cup begins. Twickenham was a sea of South African green last night, with South Africa laying down a signficant pre-World Cup statement with a record victory over New Zealand on an evening where very little went right for the All Blacks.
We’re not expecting nearly as many in today, with train strikes playing a part, but this could still be a lot of fun, with Fiji surely fancying themselves with England in a mess. Let’s check in on the two sides…
England have never been less prepared as they face final Rugby World Cup warm-up
14:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Perhaps England fans are starting to vote with their feet. There are mitigating circumstances as to why Twickenham may not be particularly close to full for England’s final World Cup warm-up match against Fiji – train strikes, the continuing cost of living crisis and rather more appetising Friday night fare among them – but certainly the Rugby Football Union (RFU) would have preferred a few more to RSVP to England’s leaving do.
A celebratory send-off this will surely not be. Regardless of the result this weekend, England will head to their World Cup training base in Le Touquet next Thursday never worse prepared for a tournament. Even the most ardent of supporters and most optimistic of analysts are reaching for glimmers out of the darkness within which Steve Borthwick’s side seem to be consumed. If these four warm-up matches were meant to leave enough runway to build momentum ahead of the tournament, then England have, true to this squandered four-year cycle, careered most definitely off course.
England have never been less prepared as they face final Rugby World Cup warm-up
England vs Fiji
13:59 , Lawrence Ostlere
Follow all the latest as England take on Fiji in their final World Cup warm-up match.
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