England Seek Ninth Consecutive Victory Against Dangerous Fiji
Steve Borthwick's England rugby team prepare to continue their impressive winning run as they host Fiji at Twickenham Stadium this Saturday. The match forms part of the Quilter Nations Series and comes after England's victory over Australia last weekend extended their winning streak to eight games.
With a highly anticipated fixture against New Zealand's All Blacks looming next week, the English squad cannot afford to underestimate their Pacific Island opponents. Fiji secured their first-ever victory over England at Twickenham during their last visit in 2023, a result that will undoubtedly fuel their confidence heading into this encounter.
Match Details and Broadcasting Information
The England vs Fiji match is scheduled to kick off at 5.40pm GMT on Saturday 8 November at Twickenham Stadium, also known as Allianz Stadium for sponsorship purposes.
Viewers across the United Kingdom can catch all the action live on TNT Sports 1, with comprehensive coverage beginning from 5.30pm GMT. For those preferring to stream the match, a live broadcast will be available through the discovery+ platform.
Team News and Key Selections
England head coach Steve Borthwick has implemented significant changes to his starting lineup, some forced by injury and others tactical. Injuries to Freddie Steward and Tom Roebuck have necessitated a reshuffled back three, with Marcus Smith returning to the side and Tommy Freeman moving to the wing.
In the centres, Ollie Lawrence takes Freeman's previous position, while Fin Smith earns the starting fly-half role. The pack sees notable changes, including the absence of Maro Itoje from the starting fifteen for the first time since 2017. Ellis Genge assumes co-captaincy duties and will lead the run-on side, with Chandler Cunningham-South receiving a significant opportunity at number eight.
Fiji arrive with a relatively settled squad built around their domestic Drua contingent, supplemented by several impactful additions from Europe's Top 14 and Premiership Rugby. Their backline boasts considerable threat through Jiuta Wainiqolo, Josua Tuisova and Selestino Ravutaumada, while Caleb Muntz - so impressive in their historic victory two years ago - retains the fly-half position.
Confirmed Line-ups:
England XV: 1 Ellis Genge (co-capt.), 2 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 3 Joe Heyes; 4 Alex Coles, 5 Ollie Chessum; 6 Guy Pepper, 7 Ben Earl, 8 Chandler Cunningham-South; 9 Alex Mitchell, 10 Fin Smith; 11 Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, 12 Fraser Dingwall, 13 Ollie Lawrence, 14 Tommy Freeman; 15 Marcus Smith.
Replacements: 16 Jamie George, 17 Fin Baxter, 18 Asher Opoku-Fordjour, 19 Maro Itoje (co-capt.), 20 Tom Curry, 21 Henry Pollock; 22 Ben Spencer, 23 Henry Arundell.
Fiji XV: 1 Eroni Mawi, 2 Tevita Ikanivere, 3 Mesake Doge; 4 Isoa Nasilasila, 5 Temo Mayanavanua; 6 Kitione Salawa, 7 Elia Canakaiveta, 8 Viliame Mata; 9 Simione Kuruvoli, 10 Caleb Muntz; 11 Jiuta Wainiqolo, 12 Josua Tuisova, 13 Kalaveti Ravouvou, 14 Selestino Ravutaumada; 15 Salesi Rayasi.
Replacements: 16 Zuriel Togiatama, 17 Haereti Hetet, 18 Samuela Tawake, 19 Mesake Vocevoce, 20 Motikai Murray; 21 Sam Wye, 22 Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, 23 Sireli Maqala.
This rugby international promises to be a compelling contest as England aim to maintain their momentum while Fiji look to repeat their Twickenham heroics from two years ago. The selection changes from Steve Borthwick indicate both rotation and tactical consideration ahead of next week's blockbuster against New Zealand.
