England host the Flying Fijians this Saturday, for the final weekend of action in the 2023 Summer Nations Series. Fiji come into this match following a 34-17 defeat to France last Saturday, however before that, Simon Raiwalui’s side hit top gear, with a clean sweep of success to win the 2023 Pacific Nations Cup.
Fiji recorded a trio of victories over Pacific Island rivals Samoa and Tonga, as well as a successful trip to the Far East to defeat the Brave Blossoms of Japan earlier this Summer. England are by no means guarenteed a victory at Twickenham, as Fiji are the highest ranked tier two rugby nation in the world.
Following a recent spell of impressive form, Fiji have climbed to ninth in the World Rugby rankings. This is significant as they have leap-frogged Wales, just three weeks after Warren Gatland’s side defeated England in Cardiff. Simon Raiwalui has put together a formidable Fijian squad, with high profile stars from across the Premiership, Top 14, URC and Super Rugby.
England heave never lost to Fiji, with a 100% win rate in their past seven meetings. However, this could all change should the South Sea Islanders upset Steve Borthwick’s men at the stadium known as ‘HQ’. The last meeting between the two sides came in the 2016 Autumn Nations Series, when Eddie Jones’ England recorded a landslide 58-15 win at Twickenham.
Kick-off is at 3:15pm this Saturday, with the match shown on a live stream through Amazon Prime. You can watch the match for free if you are not already an Amazon Prime subscriber, by signing up to a free 30-day trial.
FIJI STARTING XV TO FACE ENGLAND
FRONT ROW
1. Eroni Mawi (Saracens)
2. Sam Matavesi (Northampton Saints)
3. Luke Tagi (Aviron Bayonnais)
SECOND ROW
4. Isoa Nasilasila (Fijian Drua)
5. Te Ahiwaru Cirikidvet (Fijian Drua)
BACK ROW
6. Albert Tuisue (Gloucester Rugby)
7. Lekima Tagitagivalu (Pau)
8. Viliame Mata (Edinburgh Rugby)
HALF BACKS
9. Frank Lomani (Fijian Drua)
10. Caleb Muntz (Fijian Drua)
CENTRES
12. Semi Radradra (Lyon)
13. Waisea Nayacalevu {c} (Toulon)
BACK THREE
11. Vinaya Habosi (Fijian Drua)
14. Selesitino Ravutaumada (Fijian Drua)
15. Ilaisa Droasese (Fijian Drua)
REPLACEMENTS
- Zuriel Togiatama (Fijian Drua)
- Jone Koroiduadua (Fijian Drua)
- Samu Tawake (Fijian Drua)
- Temo Mayanavanua (Northampton Saints)
- Vilive Miramira (Fijian Drua)
- Simione Kuruvoli (Fijian Drua)
- Teti Tela (Fijian Drua)
- Kalaveti Ravouvou (Fijian Drua)
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