England vs Fiji: Kick-off time, TV channel, team news, lineups, venue, odds today
ngland face Fiji at Twickenham in their final World Cup warm-up match.
Steve Borthwick’s will be looking to end their build-up on a positive note after a difficult few weeks of injuries, disciplinary issues and issues in attack.
It has been far from a perfect send-off to France for the Red Rose, who have lost Owen Farrell to a four-game ban ahead of the tournament. Billy Vunipola’s dismissal in Dublin will also see him miss next month’s opening game against Argentina.
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Defeats to Wales and Ireland have exposed a lack of discipline in Steve Borthwick’s ranks.
However, Borthwick is not short of options in his squad and the clash with Fiji gives the likes of Marcus Smith and Ben Earl the chance to shine.
Fiji, ahead of facing Wales and Australia in their World Cup pool, were beaten in France last weekend after defeating Tonga, Samoa and Japan in 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 watch England vs Fiji
TV channel: In the UK, the game will be broadcast on Amazon Prime.
Live stream: Subscribers will be able to watch on a live stream via the Amazon Prime app.
Live blog: Follow all the action with Standard Sport’s dedicated match blog, with Nick Purewal at the ground to provide expert analysis.
England vs Fiji team news
George Ford has stepped up again to replace Farrell at fly-half with Earl favoured to come in for Vunipola.
Courtney Lawes takes the armband on his 100th cap and there is a place for Jonny May, who could earn a recall to the squad proper after injuries to Anthony Watson and Elliot Daly.
Manu Tuilagi and Ollie Lawrence start in midfield with Alex Mitchell at scrum-half and Ollie Chessum back for his first start after injury.
Fiji made the surprise call to leave out Racing 92 fly-half Ben Volavola from their World Cup squad. Northampton duo Sam Matavesi and Temo Mayanavanua are among 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, K Ravouvou.
England vs Fiji prediction
This is it for England, the last chance to show they can make a decent fist of the upcoming World Cup before it begins.
Fiji are arguably the most impressive they’ve ever been and will take heart from a solid performance against a vulnerable top-tier side, with the chances of a thumping win for the home team remote.
Still, there is enough quality in the Red Rose ranks to secure the victory with minds hopefully being focused this week by the off-pitch issues.
England to win narrowly
Head to head (h2h) history and results
England have won all seven of their encounters with Fiji, the latest coming in a 2016 Test.
England vs Fiji latest odds
England win – 1/8
Draw – 33/1
Fiji win – 11/2
