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.
KICK OFF!
George Ford will get things started, the fly half waiting for Jaco Peyper’s peep of permission before dropping boot to ball. The South African referee obliges - off we go!
England, sporting their change navy strip, gather in a line as Fiji lay down the challenge with the Cibi.
One last chance for these two to work out their kinks before the World Cup - a win, surely, is a must for England.
England vs Fiji
A few of England’s unused, suspended or injured squad members wander out to take seats in the otherwise unoccupied top tier, joining their squadmates on the pitch in singing along to “God Save the King”.
England vs Fiji
Courtney Lawes emerges from the tunnel, his four kids alongside him, all in “Lawes 100” shirts, which is a lovely touch. A fine ovation for a fine servant, who poses for a couple of pictures before joining his teammates for the anthems.
Engladn vs Fiji
England have never been less prepared as they face final Rugby World Cup warm-up
England vs Fiji
Twickenham’s bottom two tiers are starting to fill - the RFU were hoping to get up towards 60,000, but I think they’ll be short of that.
England vs Fiji: Match Officials
Referee: Jaco Peyper (RSA)
ARs: Pierre Brousset (FRA) & Hollie Davidson (SCO)
TMO: Brian MacNeice (IRE)
England vs Fiji
It has now clouded over, with a bit of a chill in the Twickenham air and the threat of rain ever more present. Let’s hope it stays away.
Rugby World Cup 2023 schedule, fixtures, match dates and kick-off times
Rugby World Cup 2023 schedule, fixtures, dates and kick-off times
England vs Fiji
There’s a big band of grey cloud threatening the blow over Twickenham, but for now the sun is out and bright with the two sides getting warm. The top tier isn’t open today, which is indicative of the trouble the RFU have had shifting tickets for this one, but there are plenty of families in on a bank holiday weekend, and a fair few Fiji flags fluttering, too.
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