England v Fiji, 18 September

  
ENGLAND v FIJI
18 September 2015
KO: 20:00 BST
Twickenham, London

Live on ITV and BBC Radio 5 live

Referee: Jaco Peyper (South Africa)
Touch judges: John Lacey (Ireland) & Stuart Berry (South Africa)
Television match official: Shaun Veldsman (South Africa)

A. Head to Head

5 Played 5
5 Won 0
0 Drawn 0
0 Lost 5
210 Points 83

B. Recent Form

10 November 2012
England 54 - 12 Fiji
Twickenham

20 October 1999
England 45 - 24 Fiji
Twickenham

20 July 1991
Fiji 12 - 28 England
National Stadium, Suva

04 November 1989
England 58 - 23 Fiji
Twickenham

17 June 1988
Fiji 12 - 25 England
National Stadium, Suva

C. Teams

ENGLAND

Mike Brown (Harlequins); Anthony Watson (Bath Rugby), Jonathan Joseph (Bath Rugby), Brad Barritt (Saracens), Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby); George Ford (Bath Rugby); Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers); Joe Marler (Harlequins), Tom Youngs (Leicester Tigers), Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers), Geoff Parling (Exeter Chiefs), Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints), Tom Wood (Northampton Saints), Chris Robshaw (capt, Harlequins), Ben Morgan (Gloucester Rugby).

Replacements: Rob Webber (Bath Rugby), Mako Vunipola (Saracens), Kieran Brookes (Northampton Saints), Joe Launchbury (Wasps), Billy Vunipola (Saracens), Richard Wigglesworth (Saracens), Owen Farrell (Saracens), Sam Burgess (Bath Rugby).

FIJI

1. Campese Ma’afu
2. Sunia Koto
3. Manasa Saulo
4. Apisalome Ratuniyarawa
5. Leone Nakarawa
6. Dominiko Waqaniburotu
7. Akapusi Qera (Captain)
8. Sakiusa Masi Matadigo

9. Nikola Matawalu
10. Ben Volavola
11. Nemani Nadolo
12. Gabiriele Lovobalavu
13. Vereniki Goneva
14. Waisea Nayacalevu
15. Metuisela Talebula

16. Tuapati Talemaitoga
17. Peni Ravai
18. Isei Colati
19. Tevita Cavubati
20. Peceli Yato
21. Nemia Kenatale
22. Joshua Matavesi
23. Aseli Tikoirotuma

ITV not got this one George?

They have indeed

Corrected. Innit.

Thanks for the thread GC .. I must ask who the lovely vision of Fiji is?!

BamBam wrote:Thanks for the thread GC .. I must ask who the lovely vision of Fiji is?!

Yes, I love her - Nalini Krishan - actress doing well for herself.

And the England team is up!

Fiji line-up announced:

1.Campese Ma’afu
2. Sunia Koto
3. Manasa Saulo
4. Apisalome Ratuniyarawa
5. Leone Nakarawa
6. Dominiko Waqaniburotu
7. Akapusi Qera (Captain)
8. Sakiusa Masi Matadigo
9. Nikola Matawalu
10. Ben Volavola
11. Nemani Nadolo
12. Gabiriele Lovobalavu
13. Vereniki Goneva
14. Waisea Nayacalevu
15. Metuisela Talebula
16. Tuapati Talemaitoga
17. Peni Ravai
18. Isei Colati
19. Tevita Cavubati
20. Peceli Yato
21. Nemia Kenatale
22. Joshua Matavesi
23. Aseli Tikoirotuma

Poor George

As a Glasgow supporter (whilst I live here with the ground at the end of my road), and Leicester fan (my local club growing up) I can safely say that numbers 5, 9, and 13 are seriously good players. Beyond that, anyone else know much about the Fiji guys?

Nadolo and Talebula were the top try scorers in Super Rugby and the Top 14 respectively last season (or very close to it)

Plenty of attacking threat as you'd expect from a Fijian side, we've got to crush them with set piece and territory and build a score

The real question for England fans - can you stop this man offloading?:

I'm guessing that their defence isn't the strongest either? I'm starting to feel a little bit excited about this game now...

I'd like to see England build a score up to 60 minutes then put their foot on the accelerator after that (assuming they have earned it). I don't recognise any of the Fiji subs apart from Joshua Matavesi, so I am guessing they don't have a strong bench. SHould hopefully be able to make our fitness and strong bench count.

George Carlin wrote:The real question for England fans - can you stop this man offloading?:

I love watching him play at Glasgow, he is truly ridiculous. It's like watching kids in a playground, where he is the big one saying "If you want the ball just grab it!" whilst holding it up in the air out of the little kid's reach!

Tikoirutuma had a good record in Super Rugby but did the total of F all for Quins, so not sure how he would do.

Other than that, no idea on the Fiji forwards other than Nakawara and Qera

What are England fans expecting from this game? Is the win a gimme, what about the bonus point and points do you see them as a gimme or will you be happy with just a win and of course no injuries.

I think the win will come and will be quite comfortable in the end, I reckon the emotion and occasion might get to a few to start and Fiji will be there or there about for 40 or so minutes then Englands fitness and structure will show and a decent size win will come.

bedfordwelsh wrote:What are England fans expecting from this game?  Is the win a gimme, what about the bonus point and points do you see them as a gimme or will you be happy with just a win and of course no injuries.

I think the win will come and will be quite comfortable in the end, I reckon the emotion and occasion might get to a few to start and Fiji will be there or there about for 40 or so minutes then England's fitness and structure will show and a decent size win will come.

About right probably. I think it will go one of two ways:

1. What you said
2. Blistering start by England (fired up for first game), Fiji come back at them mid game, England fitness wins through later

England should focus on winning the game by 60 mins (15 ahead or more) then go for bonus points if they are on later. If Fiji play well and England badly then just make sure we win the fecking thing!

Thinking about the group, any bonus points are higely important in case of the one win each for Aus, Wales, and Eng

screamingaddabs wrote:

bedfordwelsh wrote:What are England fans expecting from this game?  Is the win a gimme, what about the bonus point and points do you see them as a gimme or will you be happy with just a win and of course no injuries.

I think the win will come and will be quite comfortable in the end, I reckon the emotion and occasion might get to a few to start and Fiji will be there or there about for 40 or so minutes then England's fitness and structure will show and a decent size win will come.

About right probably.  I think it will go one of two ways:

1. What you said
2. Blistering start by England (fired up for first game), Fiji come back at them mid game, England fitness wins through later

England should focus on winning the game by 60 mins (15 ahead or more) then go for bonus points if they are on later.  If Fiji play well and England badly then just make sure we win the fecking thing!

Well you don't have to, not on by behalf anyway

It's just occurred to me that it's probably England's right to demand that they play in white, which would be something of a biatch move given that it's also Fiji's home shirt.

England have home court advantage - that should be enough to let Fiji play in white.

I watched Building Jerusalem last night and it was a reminder of how close several of England's games were in the 2003 tournament. They had to come from behind several times and it took some odd decisions (e.g. Catt on at half time vs Wales) to get there .

This team has shown that it can come back from early deficits but not that it knows how to grind out a win at the death.

My hope is that England settle their defence early and get enough front foot ball to start finding holes in Fiji's organisation. If that happens, we should be fine.

But I would worry if we allowed Fiji early control of possession like we did France.

George Carlin wrote:It's just occurred to me that it's probably England's right to demand that they play in white, which would be something of a biatch move given that it's also Fiji's home shirt.

England have home court advantage - that should be enough to let Fiji play in white.

I bet England play in their change shirt - mainly to increase sales of it!

George Carlin wrote:It's just occurred to me that it's probably England's right to demand that they play in white, which would be something of a biatch move given that it's also Fiji's home shirt.

England have home court advantage - that should be enough to let Fiji play in white.

We're wearing red, and have been designated as the away team somehow

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/international/england/11842384/Rugby-World-Cup-2015-England-forced-to-wear-red-kit-for-opening-tie-against-Fiji.html

screamingaddabs wrote:

George Carlin wrote:It's just occurred to me that it's probably England's right to demand that they play in white, which would be something of a biatch move given that it's also Fiji's home shirt.

England have home court advantage - that should be enough to let Fiji play in white.

I bet England play in their change shirt - mainly to increase sales of it!

England lost the toss and will play in red from the away dressing room - but they will be in white from the home dressing room against Wales and Australia

Poorfour wrote:

England lost the toss and will play in red from the away dressing room - but they will be in white from the home dressing room against Wales and Australia

Well that is a better reason than for sales!

George Carlin wrote:It's just occurred to me that it's probably England's right to demand that they play in white, which would be something of a biatch move given that it's also Fiji's home shirt.

England have home court advantage - that should be enough to let Fiji play in white.

Isn't it the home side that HAS to change strips if there is a clash anyway?  Or is that just an unwritten rule? As for the Wales and Australia game there isn't a clash anyway so no need for away strips.

I reckon you boys will have far too much for Fiji. I think you will rack up at least 50pts. Be careful though, they do like to spoil the party. I can see this one being a bruising affair.

George Carlin wrote:It's just occurred to me that it's probably England's right to demand that they play in white, which would be something of a biatch move given that it's also Fiji's home shirt.

England have home court advantage - that should be enough to let Fiji play in white.

Don't think it's a biatch move at all - regardless of whether it's England or another side - the home team should always get to play in their home colours or what's the point of having home and away strips?

Might as well change the strip of the team every single game......

Think England are playing in red which is ridiculous. Home team IMO should always play in their first choice.

England will also be in the away dressing room which is again ridiculous.

I would say the same if other teams were in the same position.

I don't see the problem with the dressing room though I guess players have certain superstitions I guess but like said think its always been the case of home side changing strip.

Its because they want each stadium to be "neutral" regardless of where the world cup is being held.

I don't think the strip or the dressing room will make much difference to be honest, I can't imagine Twickers away dressing room being like the leaky shed that we had as an away dressing room for my local club

BamBam wrote:Its because they want each stadium to be "neutral" regardless of where the world cup is being held.

I don't think the strip or the dressing room will make much difference to be honest, I can't imagine Twickers away dressing room being like the leaky shed that we had as an away dressing room for my local club

The away sides at your club had dressing rooms pah luxury I tell you

We're posh over here, don't you know bedford!!

No such thing as an 'away strip' in rugby #justsayin

BamBam wrote:Its because they want each stadium to be "neutral" regardless of where the world cup is being held.

I don't think the strip or the dressing room will make much difference to be honest, I can't imagine Twickers away dressing room being like the leaky shed that we had as an away dressing room for my local club

Bambam if they want that then England shouldn't play any of their games at Twickenham. Wales shouldn't play any games at Millennium Stadium.

munkian wrote:No such thing as an 'away strip' in rugby #justsayin

That was true once upon a time. after all it was tradition for the home team to change if there was a clash. Sadly the desire to sell shirts ala soccer has changed that at pro club level to a large degree.

LondonTiger wrote:

munkian wrote:No such thing as an 'away strip' in rugby #justsayin

That was true once upon a time. after all it was tradition for the home team to change if there was a clash. Sadly the desire to sell shirts ala soccer has changed that at pro club level to a large degree.

I liked that tradition and I am sorry it's gone. It was polite and respectful, so I guess it was always a bit at risk from the commercialisation of the game.

Was the main reason for that not based on the fact that a touring team might only have one set of shirts, but a home team should be able to source a change kit from somewhere?

screamingaddabs wrote:Was the main reason for that not based on the fact that a touring team might only have one set of shirts, but a home team should be able to source a change kit from somewhere?

I think that was the reason. It makes sense, anyway

Somehow I don't see this as a hammering of 50pts plus as some have suggested. Unless Eng completely dominate up front and deprive that Fiji back line of ball then it could be a lot closer. Bookies have this as a 28 point game, a spread I quickly grabbed as first leg of a RWC weekend treble.

screamingaddabs wrote:Was the main reason for that not based on the fact that a touring team might only have one set of shirts, but a home team should be able to source a change kit from somewhere?

It was tradition at club level for that very reason. Though one easter tour to South Wales we arrived at a village club with exact same kit as us - and no change.

LondonTiger wrote:

screamingaddabs wrote:Was the main reason for that not based on the fact that a touring team might only have one set of shirts, but a home team should be able to source a change kit from somewhere?

It was tradition at club level for that very reason. Though one easter tour to South Wales we arrived at a village club with exact same kit as us - and no change.

Shirts inside out? Done that before!

Yup

brennomac wrote:Somehow I don't see this as a hammering of 50pts plus as some have suggested.  Unless Eng completely dominate up front and deprive that Fiji back line of ball then it could be a lot closer.  Bookies have this as a 28 point game, a spread I quickly grabbed as first leg of a RWC weekend treble.

I think it could really go either way. Either 50 points or 15. Obviously the bookies always make a sensible guess and 28 points is nicely between the two extremes.

LondonTiger wrote:

screamingaddabs wrote:Was the main reason for that not based on the fact that a touring team might only have one set of shirts, but a home team should be able to source a change kit from somewhere?

It was tradition at club level for that very reason. Though one easter tour to South Wales we arrived at a village club with exact same kit as us - and no change.

Well, one of you could have gone skins.

Just hope this isn't another nail biter like 2011 vs Argentina or 2007 vs USA!

Both games were a disappointment to kick off their campaigns.

Summary of the Fijian XV, for those not familiar:

- The tight five, with the exception of the brilliant Nakarawa (best attacking lock in the world?), mostly play in the French second division, or at a similar level elsewhere. Some of them have nonetheless accumulated plenty of international experience, due to Fiji's limited options here.

- The back row are all experienced and strong Top 14 players, this is a good area for Fiji. The younger Peceli Yato on the bench may turn out to be the best of the lot.

- There's some stardust in the halfbacks - Matawalu needs no introduction for Pro 12 followers and is a key influence in attack. Volavola is an exciting talent who is lined up to replace Carter at the Crusaders next year. Matavesi is a solid bench option who might come on at 10 or 12.

- The outside backs as you might expect are excellent with Goneva (Jeff), Talebula, Nayacalevu (both Top 14) and Nadolo (Super 15) all prolific tryscorers in top leagues. Of those Nadolo is the standout and arguably the most formidable winger in the world right now.

Despite the less glamorous names in the tight five, Fiji have managed to improve their set pieces considerably in the last year, and now have a good line-out and passable scrum. However defence appears to remain a weakness, both out wide and on the gainline. There are also question marks over stamina / concentration, but I'd be wary of relying on that - I can't imagine their intensity dropping off in the final 20 if they have a genuine chance of winning.

Wi11 wrote:Summary of the Fijian XV, for those not familiar:

- The tight five, with the exception of the brilliant Nakarawa (best attacking lock in the world?), mostly play in the French second division, or at a similar level elsewhere. Some of them have nonetheless accumulated plenty of international experience, due to Fiji's limited options here.

- The back row are all experienced and strong Top 14 players, this is a good area for Fiji. The younger Peceli Yato on the bench may turn out to be the best of the lot.

- There's some stardust in the halfbacks - Matawalu needs no introduction for Pro 12 followers and is a key influence in attack. Volavola is an exciting talent who is lined up to replace Carter at the Crusaders next year. Matavesi is a solid bench option who might come on at 10 or 12.

- The outside backs as you might expect are excellent with Goneva (Jeff), Talebula, Nayacalevu (both Top 14) and Nadolo (Super 15) all prolific tryscorers in top leagues. Of those Nadolo is the standout and arguably the most formidable winger in the world right now.

Despite the less glamorous names in the tight five, Fiji have managed to improve their set pieces considerably in the last year, and now have a good line-out and passable scrum. However defence appears to remain a weakness, both out wide and on the gainline. There are also question marks over stamina / concentration, but I'd be wary of relying on that - I can't imagine their intensity dropping off in the final 20 if they have a genuine chance of winning.

Top post - diolch !

Wi11 wrote:Summary of the Fijian XV, for those not familiar:

- The tight five, with the exception of the brilliant Nakarawa (best attacking lock in the world?), mostly play in the French second division, or at a similar level elsewhere. Some of them have nonetheless accumulated plenty of international experience, due to Fiji's limited options here.

- The back row are all experienced and strong Top 14 players, this is a good area for Fiji. The younger Peceli Yato on the bench may turn out to be the best of the lot.

- There's some stardust in the halfbacks - Matawalu needs no introduction for Pro 12 followers and is a key influence in attack. Volavola is an exciting talent who is lined up to replace Carter at the Crusaders next year. Matavesi is a solid bench option who might come on at 10 or 12.

- The outside backs as you might expect are excellent with Goneva (Jeff), Talebula, Nayacalevu (both Top 14) and Nadolo (Super 15) all prolific tryscorers in top leagues. Of those Nadolo is the standout and arguably the most formidable winger in the world right now.

Despite the less glamorous names in the tight five, Fiji have managed to improve their set pieces considerably in the last year, and now have a good line-out and passable scrum. However defence appears to remain a weakness, both out wide and on the gainline. There are also question marks over stamina / concentration, but I'd be wary of relying on that - I can't imagine their intensity dropping off in the final 20 if they have a genuine chance of winning.

Excellent.

Hard to top that, this Fijian side looked a class above Tonga USA and Japan recently, with Nakarawa being playschool esque and sheer brilliant!!! The rest of the tight 5 is the issue, and they really were a weakness against Samoa who bullied them at the breakdown, and in the set peice.

I am so happy to see Nadolo on the wing, and Matavesi not at 10, although i'm a little surprised he's not starting in the midfield instead of Lobobolavu maybe.

I expect a wild and reckless first 20 from Fiji, and England have to be carefull they don't concede points early on, the last thing you want to do is to be playing catch up to this counter attacking backline!

Mindset of this first up will be in Fiji's favour, bookies have them as 4th spot, with little to no chance of qualification, so they have nothing to lose. England however will be under the microscope and Lancaster will know the importance of starving Fiji of ball, and avoiding mistakes, which could play into Fiji's hands.

This game will end 1 of 2 ways for me, either England have been professional in the first 60 and hold a 11+ lead going into the final 20, of which they will stand on the neck and pile on the points, or Fiji will still be in touching distance and sniff a scalp, if thats the case I predict a tough finish to game 1 for England.

If I had to predict a score i'd predict 2...

England 26 - 15

or

Fiji 28 - 26

Fanster wrote:
I expect a wild and reckless first 20 from Fiji, and England have to be carefull they don't concede points early on, the last thing you want to do is to be playing catch up to this counter attacking backline!

I expect a big start from England too. I think the first 20 is actually pretty crucial here - if England can make some inroads and build an early lead it will shake Fiji's belief and we could see a diminished challenge from them thereafter. On the other hand if Fiji take an early lead they will place huge pressure on a relatively inexperienced England team.

I just hope the game isn't ruined by excessive nerves. If both teams come to the party then we can be certain it will be entertaining.