England vs Fiji: Kick-off time, TV channel, group news, lineups
Steve Borthwick’s will likely be seeking to finish their build-up on a constructive be aware after a tough few weeks of accidents, disciplinary points and points in assault.
It has been removed from an ideal send-off to France for the Red Rose, who’ve lost Owen Farrell to a four-game ban forward of the event. Billy Vunipola’s dismissal in Dublin will even see him miss subsequent month’s opening recreation towards Argentina.
Defeats to Wales and Ireland have uncovered a scarcity of self-discipline in Steve Borthwick’s ranks.
However, Borthwick is just not wanting choices in his squad and the conflict with Fiji provides the likes of Marcus Smith and Ben Earl the possibility to shine.
Fiji, forward of dealing with Wales and Australia of their World Cup pool, have been overwhelmed in France final weekend after defeating Tonga, Samoa and Japan of their warm-ups.
Date, kick-off time and venue
England vs Fiji takes place at 3.15pm BST on Saturday, August 26, 2023.
Twickenham will host the fixture.
Where to observe England vs Fiji
TV channel: In the UK, the sport will likely be broadcast on Amazon Prime.
Live stream: Subscribers will be capable of watch on a stay stream by way of the Amazon Prime app.
Live weblog: Follow all of the motion with Standard Sport’s devoted match weblog, with Nick Purewal on the floor to supply professional evaluation.
England vs Fiji group news
George Ford has stepped up again to replace Farrell at fly-half with Earl favoured to return in for Vunipola.
Courtney Lawes takes the armband on his a centesimal cap and there’s a place for Jonny May, who might earn a recall to the squad correct after accidents to Anthony Watson and Elliot Daly.
Manu Tuilagi and Ollie Lawrence begin in midfield with Alex Mitchell at scrum-half and Ollie Chessum again for his first begin after damage.
Fiji made the shock name to go away out Racing 92 fly-half Ben Volavola from their World Cup squad. Northampton duo Sam Matavesi and Temo Mayanavanua are amongst their Premiership representatives.
England vs Fiji line-ups
England XV: F Steward; M Malins, O Lawrence, M Tuilagi, J May, G Ford; A Mitchell; E Genge, T Dan, D Cole; M Itoje, O Chessum; C Lawes (capt), J Willis, B Earl.
Replacements: J Walker, J Marler, W Stuart, D Ribbans, L Ludlam, D Care, M Smith, J Marchant.
Fiji XV: E Mawi; S Matavesi, L Tagi, I Nasilasila, T A Cirikidveta, A Tuisue; L Tagitagivalu; V Mata, F Lomani, C Muntz; V Habosi, S Radradra; W Nayacalevu (capt), S Ravutaumada, I Droasese.
Replacements: Z Togiatama, J Koroiduadua, S Tawake, T Mayanavanua, V Miramira, S Kuruvoli, T Tela, Ok Ravouvou.
England vs Fiji prediction
This is it for England, the final probability to indicate they’ll make an honest fist of the upcoming World Cup earlier than it begins.
Fiji are arguably essentially the most spectacular they’ve ever been and can take coronary heart from a stable efficiency towards a susceptible top-tier facet, with the possibilities of a thumping win for the house group distant.
Still, there’s sufficient high quality within the Red Rose ranks to safe the victory with minds hopefully being centered this week by the off-pitch points.
England to win narrowly
Head to go (h2h) historical past and outcomes
England have gained all seven of their encounters with Fiji, the newest coming in a 2016 Test.
England vs Fiji newest odds
England win – 1/8
Draw – 33/1
Fiji win – 11/2