The hosts head into this one off the abc of three dismal attacking displays and really need to up their game if they are to avoid what could be a major embarrassment at the hands of a vastly improved Fijian outfit.
Saturday 26 August
England | Draw | Fiji
Odds TBA*
After showing a tinge of promise in the second Test against the Welsh, England were once again toothless as they were beaten 29-10 by Ireland at the Aviva this weekend.
There are major worries for the English now with the ‘Red Roses’ only managing to cross the whitewash on two occasions in their last three Tests. Both those tries came from their forwards as well with a driving maul against the Welsh in the second Test between the two sides and an Ellis Genge surge from a metre out being their only five-pointers.
While their dull attack will have head coach Steve Borthwick nervy, it’s their ll-discipline that will have the ex England international pulling his hair out. Owen Farell was red-carded in the second Test against Wales and while he managed to get past the original citing commission, he is now a doubt for the first couple of games in France as World Rugby have appealed the decision.
To compound matters, Billy Vunipoala received a red card against Ireland this past weekend for a dangerous tackle of his own. Things are certainly not rosey in the kingdom of English rugby.
While England are on a downward spiral, Fiji are on the up and up with the Pacific Islanders following up a brilliant Pacific Nations campaign with a solid showing against France this past weekend.
While the French did field a weakened side, Fiji can be proud of their efforts as they were brilliant with ball-in-hand and were really competitive at the breakdown. Their big name players also seem to be hitting form at just the right time with Semi Radradra putting in a massive shift against Le Bleu.
This could well be a precursor to a quarter-final clash between the sides such is the World Cup pool draw. I really fancy the Fjians to make this tough for the English, who look a side completely out of sorts. Fiji on the plus is the way to go this Saturday.
Fiji on the plus.
