England go into their quarter-final game off the back of a nail-biting 18-17 victory over minnows Samoa. Having trailed 17-8, Danny Care became England’s saviour by going over with just six minutes to spare. The Red Rose also had to rely upon a dubiously late TMO overturning to save their blushes.
Despite their nervy end, England have generally made a good account of themselves during the pool stage. Impressive 27-10 and 34-12 victories over Argentina and Japan were followed by a 71-0 obliteration of World Cup debutants Chile. Just one try conceded in the opening three matches highlighted a much-needed improvement to an English defence that had often been lamented for its discipline (or lack thereof). Before their World Cup campaign began, England had lost six of their nine matches under head coach Steve Borthwick.
Much debate has been rumbling under the surface as to who should be England’s starting fly-half. Having lost his place due to suspension, Owen Farrell was returned to the starting XV for England’s concluding pool stage games. Despite overtaking Jonny Wilkinson as England’s all-time top point scorer, Farrell has clearly felt the pressure, failing to convert three tries against Chile and, unbelievably, being timed out of a penalty against Samoa. His replacement, George Ford, was the hero in England’s opening game but has clearly not done enough to impressive Borthwick as the Sale Sharks man was dragged off in the 51st minute of the Samoa game.
England’s opponents, Fiji, have cause for optimism, having recently beaten the Red Roses 30-22 at Twickenham. A late Kuruvoli try was enough to inflict England’s first ever defeat to the Pacific Islanders.
Fiji play in just their third World Cup quarter-final, having previously qualified in 1987 and 2007. They were able to scrape through in second place in Pool C on points difference. Valiant wins over two-time champions Australia and Georgia were sandwiched in between disappointing defeats to Wales and previously-winless Portugal.
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Borthwick’s aforementioned dilemma is how he will fit Owen Farrell and George Ford into his side. Many also expect the underperforming Freddie Steward to be taken off the wing in favour of five-try Henry Arundell.
Fiji have a clean bill of health but made six changes for their defeat to Portugal. Expect many changes ahead of their clash with the Red Rose.
Date / Kick-Off Time / Venue / Channel
Sunday 15th October 2023 / 4PM BST / Stade de Marseille / ITV1
