Quarter-Final Preview: England v Fiji
Everything you need to know ahead of England Men's quarter-final clash with Fiji in Marseille
Steve Borthwick's men return to Marseille from Lille following their 18-17 victory over Samoa, which saw them retain their unbeaten run at Rugby World Cup 2023.
The close contest saw Owen Farrell overtake Jonny Wilkinson as England all-time top points scorer as he kicked eight points to bring his tally to 1,186.
When? | Sunday 15 October |
Where? | Stade de Marseille |
Kick off | 16:00 BST |
Where can I watch? | ITV |
Farrell will captain a starting XV with two changes to the side that defeated Samoa. In the front row, Ellis Genge – who is named as one of three vice-captains – starts at loosehead prop alongside Jamie George at hooker and Dan Cole at tighthead. Maro Itoje and Ollie Chessum continue at lock with vice-captain Courtney Lawes on the blindside flank, Tom Curry on the openside and Ben Earl at No.8 to round off an unchanged pack.
In the halfback berths, Alex Mitchell partners Farrell as Manu Tuilagi and Joe Marchant combine in the centres. In the back three, Elliot Daly returns to the starting XV on the left wing, Jonny May moves to the right and Marcus Smith is set to wear the 15 shirt.
Theo Dan, Joe Marler, Kyle Sinckler, George Martin, Billy Vunipola, Danny Care, George Ford (vice-captain), and Ollie Lawrence are named as replacements.
TEAMS
England
15. Marcus Smith, 14. Jonny May, 13. Joe Marchant, 12. Manu Tuilagi (C), 11. Elliot Daly, 10. Owen Farrell, 9. Alex Mitchell, 1. Ellis Genge, 2. Jamie George, 3. Dan Cole, 4. Maro Itoje, 5. Ollie Chessum, 6. Courtney Lawes, 7. Tom Curry, 8. Ben Earl
Replacements
16. Theo Dan, 17. Joe Marler, 18. Kyle Sinckler, 19. George Martin, 20. Billy Vunipola, 21. Danny Care, 22. George Ford, 23. Ollie Lawrence
Fiji
15. Ilaisa Droasese, 14. Vinaya Habosi, 13. Waisea Nayacalevu, 12. Josua Tuisova, 11. Semi Radradra, 10. Vilimoni Botitu, 9. Frank Lomani, 1. Eroni Mawi, 2. Tevita Ikanivere, 3. Tuke Tagi, 4. Isoa Nasilasila, 5. Albert Tuisue, 6. Lekima Tagitagivalu, 7. Levani Botia, 8. Viliame Mata
Replacements: 16. Samuel Matavesi, 17. Peni Ravai, 18. Mesake Doge, 19. Meli Derenalagi, 20. Vilive Miramira, 21. Simione Kuruvoli, 22. Iosefo Masi, 23. Sireli Maqala
VIEWS FROM CAMP
Steve Borthwick: “The knockout stages of any Rugby World Cup are always full of excitement and keen anticipation for our supporters both at home and here in France. This will be no different. The players cannot wait for this Sunday’s quarter-final against Fiji. Everyone knows just what an unpredictably dangerous opposition Fiji can be. However, we have shown in the group stages how we can win games, and we will be calling on that experience and determination to ensure we carry on our journey.
“We are very much looking forward to returning to the special atmosphere of the Stade de Marseille, where we started our campaign back in September with a win against Argentina. I have said it before, but it is right that I say it again, our supporters contributed to a very special night on that occasion, and I have no doubt it will be another memorable evening this Sunday.”
Billy Vunipola: "It’s plain and simple for us: If you don’t win this weekend, you go home. There’s massive emphasis on the importance of this weekend and there’s definitely an edge to training and in the way boys are carrying themselves. It’s not just this week though. The challenge is to do it not just this week, but every week.
"We pride ourselves on our set piece work and we have targets in our own sections in terms of our forwards, whether that’s scrums or mauls and targets we want to hit. It’s no different from any other week but there’s just that added pressure that if we don’t nail it, we’ll be going home."
PREVIOUS ENCOUNTERS
2023 - England 22-30 Fiji
2016 – England 58-15 Fiji
2012 - England 54-12 Fiji
1999 - England 45-24 Fiji
1991 - Fiji 12-28 England
1989 - England 58-23 Fiji
1988 - Fiji 12-25 England
FIXTURES AND RESULTS
Summer Series
Rugby World Cup 2023 - Group Stages
Quarter Final
England v Fiji - Stade de Marseille - Sunday 15 October 16:00