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 22-30 Fiji, 79 minutes
Fiji’s attack is aimless, but it doesn’t really matter with the clock ticking ever closer to 80 minutes. They won’t much mind a knock-on, either - there are fewer than 50 seconds to play as the two front rows pack down.
England 22-30 Fiji, 78 minutes
Another penalty Fiji’s way. They are two minutes away.
England 22-30 Fiji, 76 minutes
Penalty to the Pacific Islanders! The Fijian flags wave as their side defend with aggression and accuracy and turn England over five metres out from their own line. England’s players look to the heavens.
England 22-30 Fiji, 75 minutes
England have already had one great escape at Twickenham during this Summer Nations Series - they need another here. Danny Care is on to try and spark it, with Fiji flying out of the line at every England carrier.
TRY! England 22-30 FIJI (Simione Kuruvoli try, 73 minutes)
Is this a famous Fijian day?
The travelling fans go wild as Fiji open that advantage up again. The irrepressible Selestino Ravutaumada is the architect, his mad sketchings decipherable only by his teammates with England lost in a whirl of limbs. Ravutaumada lofts an offload which Simoine Kuruvoli collects - Caleb Muntz’s kick is true, too!
England 22-23 Fiji, 72 minutes
England immediately make a hash of taking the restart, granting Fiji advanced possession. The Pacific Island side don’t make the most of it, losing control of a ruck, but when George Ford missees touch, back they will come...
TRY! ENGLAND 22-23 Fiji (Joe Marchant try, 69 minutes)
Joe Marchant slides over in the corner!
England don’t make much of a dent with their initial efforts, but remain patient. Fiji’s defensive line condenses slightly as the ball threatens to pop out the side of a ruck, and fails to reform after Jaco Peyper orders the visitors to leave it alone. George Ford recognises the opportunity on the blindside and there’s enough room for Marchant to ride the slip ‘n slide for the try. Ford converts brilliantly from the right touchline.
England 15-23 Fiji, 67 minutes
England opt for the corner, which George Ford doesn’t quite find. Theo Dan will throw the lineout eight metres out.
England 15-23 Fiji, 66 minutes
Fiji exit strongly, Caleb Muntz finding open pasture and then the touchline with an angled clearing kick.
England attack from near halfway, and earn a penalty with Fiji contesting too late at the ruck.
England 15-23 Fiji, 64 minutes
No! Ben Earl lurks on the right wing, asking George Ford to find him with a cross kick. Ford obliges, measuring his approach shot perfectly, but Earl fumbles under pressure from Caleb Muntz, who reacted superbly to get across and save a certain score.
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