England vs Fiji LIVE rugby: Result and reaction as Pacific Islanders secure historic win
England take on Fiji at Twickenham in their final Rugby World Cup warm-up fixture
England hit a new low ahead of the Rugby World Cup after suffering a first ever defeat to Fiji.
The Pacific Islanders were deserved 30-22 winners on a stormy afternoon at Twickenham, thriving in testing conditions as England were beaten for the first time by a Tier Two nation.
It was a day where little went right for England after a bright start, with Steve Borthwick’s side struggling at the set piece and failing to consistently trouble a physical, accurate visiting defence.
Selestino Ravutaumada and Waisea Nayacalevu were among the stars in Fijian white as they danced to 27 second half points on a famous day for Pacific Island rugby.
And Simon Raiwalui’s team, who were missing Levani Botia and Josua Tuisova, must surely now be considered contenders to make a semi final at least at the tournament in France, with Wales, Australia and Georgia all eminently beatable in Pool C.
Borthwick and England, meanwhile, will head to their World Cup training base in Le Touquet on Thursday having won just once in their last six games.
England open their Pool D efforts against Argentina on Saturday 9 September.
Follow all the latest from England vs Fiji below.
England 15-23 Fiji, 63 minutes
Fiji make a couple of changes, introducing Temo Mayanavanua and Jone Koroiduadua, on permanently after being required during Eroni Mawi’s spell in the sin bin earlier. Viilive Miramira is out there, too, while Lewis Ludlam has joined England’s ranks.
Turnover, England’s ball inside Fiji’s 22. Can they convert?...
PENALTY! England 15-23 FIJI (Caleb Muntz penalty, 62 minutes)
The Fiji fly half has kicked very, very well today. Another three points in his pocket from 45 metres or so on the angle.
England 15-20 Fiji, 61 minutes
Alex Mitchell catches Selestino Ravutaumada high. Caleb Muntz plants the tee down, hoping to take Fiji’s lead out beyond a single score.
England 15-20 Fiji, 59 minutes
Almost a breakaway Fiji score! The game has taken on a helter-skelter feel, Alex Mitchell darting up the left initially but Fiji soon on the attack. The Waisea Nayacalevu of ten years ago might have had the gas to get away from Jonny May but the centre instead goes to his power game, which May meets with a technically excellent tackle to force the Fiji co-captain into touch.
TRY! ENGLAND 15-20 Fiji (Marcus Smith try, 58 minutes)
How England needed that!
George Ford chips, Marcus Smith chases, and when Fiji make a mess of their collection Smith is there to capitalise. Is he in front of the kicker, though? Level, the officials conclude! The try stands and Ford converts.
PENALTY! England 8-20 FIJI (Caleb Muntz penalty, 57 minutes)
Through it goes. Fiji extend their advantage.
England 8-17 Fiji, 55 minuets
England ring the changes with their listing ship taking on more and more water. Marcus Smith is on at full back for Freddie Steward and Joe Marchant in the centres.
Jonny May spills in the air and Fiji are first to the loose ball. Jack Willis is penalised; this should be three more to Fiji’s tally
TRY! England 8-17 FIJI (Vinaya Habosi try, 53 minutes)
Another fine Fijian frolic!
Fiji play blind from a scrum, with Ilaisa Droasese halted in relatively short order and England fanning to cover the edges. It’s intelligent, then, from Vinaya Habosi, inserting himself at scrum half and picking and going past Ben Earl, England’s bodyguard defender. There’s so much space to be found close to the ruck and the rapid Habosi exploits it; another tidy Caleb Muntz conversion deepens England’s strife.
England 8-10 Fiji, 51 minutes
Tuisue is back up on his feet, thankfully - and TMO Brian MacNeice is satisfied there is no head contact. Waisea Nayacalevu requests a more detailed look from the referee as Tuisue departs for an HIA, but Marler’s challenge is deemed legal.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments