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 8-3 Fiji, 40 minutes
Outstanding maul work from Fiji! Their seven remaining forwards distmantle England’s attempted drive, celebrating a scrum awarded their way with a slapping of backs.
Replacement looshead Jone Koroiduadua is called on to fulfil prop duties with Eroni Mawi in the bin.
England 8-3 Fiji, 39 minutes
Thunder and lightning overhead at Twickenham as George Ford prods into the corner - can England strike before half time?...
YELLOW CARD! Eroni Mawi is sent to the sin bin! England 8-3 Fiji, 39 minutes
Fiji twice illegally try to halt England’s maul and out comes a card - Eroni Mawi’s attempted collapse sees the loosehead prop sent to the sin bin.
England 8-3 Fiji, 37 minutes
A side entry at the maul will allow England to make further progress via George Ford’s punting right boot.
England 8-3 Fiji, 36 minutes
“That’s terribly dangerous,” cries an England player after Eroni Mawi dives at Ellis Genge’s knee after his opposite number had brushed off Caleb Muntz. Mawi did seem to be trying to wrap, but didn’t quite get it right - just a penalty.
England 8-3 Fiji, 35 minutes
Good defence from England, resteeling themselves and letting Fiji run out of puff. A spill allows Ollie Lawrence to clear.
Courtney Lawes looks to have taken a blow to the neck. The England captain has had issues in that area before and the medics rush on to make sure he’s alright - which it seems he is. He takes his place in the lineout.
England 8-3 Fiji, 34 minutes
Not that that will bother Fiji, who can score from anywhere! It’s brilliant again from the Pacific Islanders in attack, with Semi Radradra putting Max Malins on his backside before Courtney Lawes is forced into emergency lumberjack work to cut the centre down. Fiji begin to threaten inside England’s 22 with a few of the home forwards blowing from that hasty retreat.
England 8-3 Fiji, 32 minutes
An excellent clearing job from George Ford, keeping the edge defender honest by attacking the line before releasing a raking punt that beats full back Ilaisa Droasese to the touchline. A significant territorial gain for England - Fiji’s lineout 35 metres from their own line.
NO TRY! England 8-3 Fiji, 31 minutes
And Fiji cut England open! But it’ll be chalked off for a forward pass!
It’s dynamite play initially from Selestino Ravutaumada, injecting himself at first receiver off his wing and dancing past Ollie Chessum. Manu Tuilagi can’t grasp him either and it looks as if the Fijian Drua starlet has put his captain away for a canter under the posts.
But Ravutaumada’s toss is forward out of the hands - Waisea Nayacalevu is denied by TMO Brian MacNeice’s intervention.
England 8-3 Fiji, 30 minutes
Ellis Genge and Theo Dan make a difference defensively, combining in a devastating double tackle to stall Fiji’s momentum. Cole is then the surprise leader of England’s blitz, nearly catching Fiji behind the gainline but beaten by a sharp step.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments