Key Highlights
- England clinched a ninth successive win against Fiji with strong second-half performances.
- Steve Borthwick praised the team’s composure and bench strength in securing victory.
- Fiji coach Mick Byrne commended England but highlighted their own progress.
- The match was part of England’s autumn tour, setting up a tough challenge against New Zealand next week.
England Overcomes Challenges to Secure Ninth Consecutive Win
England emerged victorious in a hard-fought encounter with Fiji on November 1 at Allianz Stadium, marking their ninth consecutive win. The match saw England’s bench come into play as key players secured the win late in the game.
Key Players and Scoring Moments
England’s Jamie George, Maro Itoje, Ellis Genge, and Henry Arundell were instrumental in the victory. Arundell’s sprint past Fiji’s defence put England on the verge of victory, followed by Itoje scoring a crucial try to seal the match.
The team began with Luke Cowan-Dickie grabbing an opening try before Fiji roared back under the guidance of their coach Mick Byrne. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso’s try in the corner at half-time gave England a 14-13 lead, setting the stage for a thrilling second half.
England’s Performance and Coach Borthwick’s Insights
England head coach Steve Borthwick highlighted the team’s ability to maintain composure and clarity in huddles. He praised the contributions of players like Tom Curry and Maro Itoje, noting that their experience was invaluable.
“We’ve seen in Test matches that the margins are so small. It is about understanding the fitness of the players for going 80 minutes and the impact of the bench.”
Borthwick emphasized the importance of resilience and composure under pressure, especially when facing a formidable opponent like Fiji.
Fiji’s Progress and Coach Byrne’s Reflections
Fiji coach Mick Byrne acknowledged his team’s efforts, praising their ability to handle themselves well in the air. Despite disallowed tries and a narrow loss, he remained optimistic about the team’s progress.
“One of the things we came into today was a battle in the air and I thought at times we handled ourselves really well and we exited really well. We are making progress that we need to be making, moving forward to 2027.”
Byrne expressed full credit to England for their strong finish and noted the importance of learning from such experiences.
NEXT UP: England Faces New Zealand
The victory against Fiji sets up a significant test as England prepare to face the All Blacks at Allianz Stadium on November 12. The team will need to build on their momentum if they hope to continue their winning streak and secure future success.
