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Fiji had never previously beaten England before they met in the Summer Nations Series at Twickenham back in August, but yet a win over the same opposition on Sunday afternoon in Marseilles would see the Flying Fijians reach their first ever Rugby World Cup semi-final. For England a victory will see them progress to the final four of a Rugby World Cup for the fourth time since the turn of the century.
England vs Fiji match predictions
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England to win with an 8 point handicap @1/1 (2.00)
Cometh the tournament, cometh England. It’s fair to say that England were in a very poor place when they lost to Fiji in August and that result really did not shock the rugby watching public. However, they have been a side reborn in France with red cards and suspensions doing nothing to disrupt the gradually built momentum of Steve Borthwick’s side. Although they looked like losing to Samoa for much of the game last weekend before a late try settled the result, England have become that annoying tournament side who un-spectacularly get the job done come rain or shine.England to win the first half with a 4 point handicap @ 1/1 (2.00)
We make no apology for recycling the first best here as all the data and evidence points towards England going into half-time in Marseilles ahead in the match. Even in their defeat to Fiji in the last head to head clash, England have been in the lead at half-time in all of their previous games.England vs Fiji preview – Will August count for anything come the quarter finals in Marseilles?
Although both sides have made the last eight, the teams have had markedly different outcomes since arriving in France in early September. England are looking for their fifth successive win in the tournament whereas Fiji became the first team to lose two pool matches and still progress to the quarter finals since France did so in 2011, en route to the final!England
Steve Borthwick has elected for an attacking England side with the coach clearly thinking that Fiji can be outplayed with a ‘total-rugby’ strategy which should also make for a very watchable game. Marcus Smith will look to dictate from full-back with captain Owen Farrell pulling the strings at fly-half and keeping the in-form George Ford as a replacement.Fiji
The Pacific Islanders are not only looking to outdo France’s performance in the 2011 Rugby World Cup but are doing so whilst wearing the badge of being the first team to lose a Rugby World Cup fixture to Portugal! Simon Raiwalui has picked ten of the players who took to the field at Twickenham in August but injuries means they will be far from full strength in Marseilles. However, if they can get over those two hurdles, then Fiji should be able to come into this quarter final with plenty of genuine confidence with a place against South Africa or France up for grabs.
England vs Fiji match details
- Date and Time: Sunday 15th October, 16:00 GMT
- Venue: Stade Vélodrome, Marseilles
- How to Watch: This game will be shown live on ITV
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