Image: PA Media
This weekend the Stade de France will host the third Quarter Final matchup of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, as England face Fiji. Steve Borthwick’s side remains unbeaten as they advance from the top of Group A. But a lot rides on this match, as their last encounter ended 22-30 to Fiji, marking it as their first ever win against the three lions.
Fiji’s World Cup form qualifies them in second place of Group C as they advance with Wales who have also gone unbeaten in the tournament so far. Fiji’s form has been a fascinating propsect throughput the tournament. Starting out strong, they managed to get two wins out of four in the group stages, qualifying over Australia on Point Difference.
Thought of as the Underdogs of their group, they demonstrated that they are more than capable of being a threat. Bet365 set their odds to beat England are 11/4. England on the other hand, have 1/3 odds of winning the match.
England’s unbeaten record, however, was endangered in their last outing. A nail-biting game saw England struggle to capitalise on their opposition, as they played Samoa, they fought hard for a one-point victory t in an 18-17 win.
Furthermore, their on-pitch problems are the tip of the iceberg, as Owen Farrell and top try scorer Henry Arundell were seen to be fighting in practice earlier this week. And yet, Fiji have never looked so cohesive as a team.
England’s hooker Jamie George claims that the boys are a “much better team” that the one that lost to Fiji back in August, saying that the memories of Fiji “running riot” at Twickenham still “hurts”.
“It would be wrong of us to try to dismiss it. We are a much better team now than we were then but there are some clear things we have to take away.
“[Defence coach] Kevin Sinfield has been very clear about reminding us and showing us clips. It hurts watching us defend like that and letting Fiji run riot at Twickenham.”
Kick-off is this Sunday at 16:00 BST.