LILLE, FRANCE - OCTOBER 07: The players of England watch on as the players of Samoa (not pictured) perform the Siva Tau prior to kick-off ahead of the Rugby World Cup France 2023 match between England and Samoa at Stade Pierre Mauroy on October 07, 2023 in Lille, France. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)

England Men

13 Oct 2023 | 5 min |

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."

AIX-EN-PROVENCE, FRANCE - OCTOBER 10: Billy Vunipola of England poses for a portrait following a press conference at Conservatoire Darius Milhaud on October 10, 2023 in Aix-en-Provence, France.  (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

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

Wales 20-9 England

England 19-17 Wales

Ireland 29-10 England

England 22-30 Fiji

Rugby World Cup 2023 - Group Stages

England 27-10 Argentina

England 34-12 Japan

England 71-0 Chile

England 18-17 Samoa

Quarter Final

England v Fiji - Stade de Marseille - Sunday 15 October 16:00