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Noah Caluori crossed over in spectacular fashion in the second half - Naomi Baker/Getty Images
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This overwhelming victory for England if nothing else has eased the pressure that had been mounting on head coach Steve Borthwick. It brings to an end the run five successive defeats and ensures Borthwick’s squad will travel to Buenos Aires on Sunday with more of a spring to their step, while he can breathe a sigh of relief.
Yet while the 11-try romp ticked a lot of boxes for England – including a hat-trick of tries for Henry Pollock, a try with his first touch in Test rugby for Benhard Janse van Rensburg, a debut try for Noah Caluori, Seb Atkinson’s best game for England, and Marcus Smith revelling in a spell at scrum-half – they had to be seen in the context of a woeful performance by Fiji.
They might have enjoyed a record ‘home’ crowd at this magnificent Hill Dickinson stadium, but their performance did not match the spectacle. They were extraordinary loose, even for them, and undermined by their indiscipline that included a red card for Simione Kuruvoli for kicking at Ellis Genge at the end of the first half, and a yellow card for Levani Botia.
England were clunky at times, but after a fast start, with tries by Marcus Smith – from a rebound off the corner flag – and Jamie George establishing a 14-point lead in as many times, there were able to play without the pressure that had built up over the previous five defeats and express themselves more freely.
Fiji could only deliver flashes of their traditional handling game verve, and England’s set piece dominance, with Fin Smith injecting pace and direction to the attack, were able to turn to screw far too easily.
Encouragingly for Borthwick, a number of his players have stepped up after the heavy defeat by South Africa, with Atkinson, enjoying his finest display of his fledgling international career.
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso has brought punch and aerial presence – but England still need to find a way to bring him into the game more – while Tommy Freeman has looked more at home in his club position on the wing.
When Kuruvoli was dismissed – an indiscretion that saw a try by Kalaveti Ravouvou for Fiji chalked off at the end of the first half, the game effectively descended into a glorified training run for England. The extra space was lapped up by Pollock, who raced over for three tries off the bench, while Caluori’s first touch in international rugby was to put Henry Slade over for a try before scoring one of his own.
Borthwick will know that the standard of the opposition must be taken into account when judging this performance, but his side did the job and must now build on this.
04:37pm
England ratings
Our very own Daniel Schofield has had his say on the performances of the England players today. Plenty of good scores unsurprisingly today, in contrast to last week in South Africa.
04:32pm
Danny Care on ITV
04:31pm
Run of defeats over
England came into this game off the back of five straight losses, with their last win before today being over Wales in the opening round of the Six Nations in February. A bit of pressure released but Steve Borthwick will know the pressure will be back on in seven days against Argentina.
04:28pm
Over in Pretoria
Scotland are seeking their first-ever victory on South African soil and you can follow that game, which kicks off from Pretoria at 4.40pm.
04:20pm
Today’s games
New Zealand 47 Italy 17
Australia 26 France 42
Japan 20 Ireland 36
Fiji 8 England 73
South Africa vs Scotland 4.40pm
Argentina vs Wales 8.10pm
04:18pm
Full time
That is the final act and England have thrashed Fiji 73-8 in Liverpool, running in 11 tries. England will head to Argentina next weekend whilst Fiji play Scotland.
04:17pmTries • Video
TRY! Pollock secures his hat-trick
A fine way for England to end a very enjoyable and fruitful afternoon. He runs a great line off a lineout just outside the Fiji 22 to run onto Curry’s pass at pace and goes over for his hat-trick try. F Smith gets the extras.
04:16pm
79 mins: Fiji 8 England 66
Another scrum penalty goes England’s way and they may have one last chance to secure their 11th try of the afternoon.
04:13pm
76 mins: Fiji 8 England 66
This is not a bad experience for M Smith to play scrum-half for just over 20 minutes. There is not a huge amount of pressure on him but it is still a Test match and you never know when you might need someone to step in as an emergency scrum-half. If this type of situation happened in a World Cup knockout game, this could therefore be a useful experience.
04:08pm
73 mins: Fiji 8 England 66
England are on the hunt for an 11th try of the afternoon but a knock-on from Slade inside the Fijian 22 ends the attack.
04:03pmTries • Video
TRY! Pollock scores fine solo effort
The Northampton man has his second try off the bench and England have ten tries on the day. It is one hell of a solo finish from Pollock, who makes the break from halfway from Slade’s pass. He then shows great pace to make it all the way to the line. F Smith adds the extras.
The pace of Pollock is just frightening️
Lovely hands from Henry Slade and Pollock, who speeds past Salesi Rayasi on the outside #NationsChampionshippic.twitter.com/BiF3g0bwI4
— ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) July 11, 2026
04:00pmKey moments • Tries • Video
TRY! Caluori over on debut
Van Rensburg scored earlier on his England debut and now Caluori joins him. England shift the ball from left to right and two clinical passes from F Smith and then Slade send Caluori over. It was a Chris Ashton-esque swan dive finish from Caluori. The conversion is missed.
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Noah Caluori scores on his England debut - Ed Sykes/Getty Images
03:59pmAnalysis
64 mins: Fiji 8 England 54
England’s new front-row continues their dominance at scrum time, winning a penalty on halfway. England kick into the Fijian 22...
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Marcus Smith is now getting some valuable experience at scrum-half - that could open the door for England to go for a 7-1 split on their bench at a later date - after Alex Mitchell was forced off with a leg injury. Mitchell had already replaced Jack van Poortvliet. Smith looking like a natural.
03:57pm
61 mins: Fiji 8 England 54
It is rather silly that, despite everyone being ready, we have to wait another 30 seconds until the hydration break officially ends. Why could we have not just got back going again when everyone was ready?
Mitchell has got some strapping on the top of his right leg. Meanwhile Curry is on for England.
03:52pmTries • Video
TRY! Slade pushes England past 50
England are taking full advantage of the man advantage. F Smith’s super flat pass sends Caluori racing into the Fiji 22 down the right wing. Caluori passes inside to find Slade, who looks like he might be held up by Ravouvou but somehow manages to find the ground to score. F Smith adds the extras.
03:49pm
57 mins: Fiji 8 England 47
Mitchell has not long been on the pitch but he has already been forced off so M Smith has been pressed into action at scrum-half. Caluori is on for his England debut.
03:48pm
56 mins: Fiji 8 England 47
Kloska is on for his England debut in place of Heyes. Van Rensburg, who did come of temporarily during the first half, is now on permanently in place of Atkinson.
03:47pmTries • Video
TRY! Pollock on the scoresheet
Has Pollock got that down? Earl grubber kicks ahead and it is a foot race between Wainiqolo and Pollock, which the latter wins. Pollock has control of the ball as he dots down and the try is given. F Smith misses his first conversion of the day and he will be disappointed as it was a fairly simple one.
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Good wheels and finish from Henry Pollock - Ed Sykes/Getty Images
03:45pm
54 mins: Fiji 8 England 42
Fiji have made some changes in the pack, which includes the arrival of Canakaivata, who will join Sale this summer.
03:44pmTries • Video
TRY! Feyi-Waboso finishes in style
England were denied a try moments ago but they will not be denied this time. Feyi-Waboso finishes off with aplomb right in the left corner, despite Rayasi’s last-ditch tackle. That was one hell of a diving finish from Feyi-Waboso and we take those finishes for granted. F Smith maintains his 100% record from the tee today.
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Fine finish - Ed Sykes/Getty Images
03:42pm
52 mins: Fiji 8 England 35
England think they have another try but it is chalked off. Their rolling maul moves towards the Fiji line and Cowan-Dickie ends up going over but he is penalised for a double movement. However, Fiji had already brought the maul down illegally so England will have the penalty.
03:41pm
49 mins: Fiji 8 England 35
Steve Borthwick has decided to ring the changes. Cowan-Dickie, Opoku-Fordjour, Pollock and Mitchell all make their way on.
03:36pmTries • Video
TRY! Ikanivere dots down for Fiji
The Fijian captain finds his way over the line. With a penalty advantage in hand, Ikanivere just about manages to find the whitewash of the try line. Muntz cannot add the extras with his effort going wide of the right post. England will not be happy with their start to this half with the man advantage.
03:34pm
46 mins: Fiji 3 England 35
Fiji might be down a man but they are enjoying a spell of possession inside the England half. They enter the England 22 but the ball goes forward. Fiji did have a penalty advantage anyway so we go back for that.
Fiji take a quick tap before winning another penalty, 10 metres out from the England line.
03:30pm
42 mins: Fiji 3 England 35
After Kuruvoli’s red card, Fiji have therefore been forced into bringing a scrum-half on. Karawalevu is sacrificed to bring Lomani on.
03:27pm
Second half
After a slightly extended half-time break due to the heat, we are back under way at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
03:20pm
Your reactions to the first half
03:18pm
Half-time entertainment
The crowd in Liverpool are being treated to a rendition of The World In Union, with just over 12 months to go until the 2027 Rugby World Cup down under.
03:16pmAnalysis
Verdict at the break
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Relief is likely to be overwhelming emotion for England head coach Steve Borthwick at half-time. His side are in total control of this scrappy, error-ridden contest, which ended in controversy when a try by Kalaveti Ravouvou at the end of the half was chalked off and Simione Kuruvoli shown a red card for kicking at Ellis Genge.
It has been clunky at times, but five tries in the opening half underscores England’s superiority and given the mounting pressure on Borthwick, the fast start has enabled his players to free themselves up with a more expressive display.
Fiji have been extraordinary loose, even by their standards and England have been able to turn the screw, enjoying set-piece dominance and finally finding some cutting edge in the opposition 22.
Encouragingly for Borthwick, a number of his players have stepped up after the heavy defeat by South Africa, with Seb Atkinson, one of England’s five try-scorers, enjoying his finest half of his fledgling international career.
Fin Smith has been able to inject pace to England’s attacking endeavours, Manny Feyi-Waboso has brought punch and aerial presence, while Tommy Freeman has looked more at home in his club position on the wing.
With Fiji down to 14 men for the second half, the challenge for England will be to push on for resounding victory and hopefully we shall see plenty of time for Noah Caluori on his debut off the bench.
03:11pmAnalysis
A long, long first half
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This absolutely sums up the first half which has lasted an astonishing 57 minutes. Fiji’s try is ruled for Simione Kuruvoli’s brainless red card for kicking out at Ellis Genge and their whole performance has been so disappointing. England have done what they needed to do but boy has it been painful to watch.
03:08pm
Half-time
That is the final act and, at the break, England lead 35-3. Fiji are also now down to 14 men after that Kuruvoli red card.
03:07pmKey moments • Video
RED CARD! Kuruvoli sent off
Fiji thought they had ended the half with a try but it is going to be chalked off. The TMO is taking a look at a possible kick out from Kuruvoli on Genge before the try was scored. Genge was initially holding onto Kuruvoli but had let go before Kuruvoli then kicks Genge in the stomach. It is a complete moment of madness from Kuruvoli and he is correctly shown a straight red.
03:03pm
TRY! Ravouvou scores on the stroke of half-time
With the clock deep into the red, Fiji manage to finish what has been a chastening first half with a try. It is the Bristol man Ravouvou who makes the break from the edge of the England 22 to score under the sticks. The extras are added.
But will this stand?
03:02pm
40 mins: Fiji 3 England 35
Despite England’s complete dominance at the scrum in this first half, Fiji win a scrum penalty against the head inside the England 22 as the clock ticks into the red. Fiji take a quick tap...
02:58pmTries • Video
TRY! Atkinson over for England’s fifth
England are running riot in Liverpool and putting Fiji to the sword. Deep inside the Fiji 22, Van Poortvliet spots a gap on the fringe of the ruck and snipes through before offloading for Atkinson to score his second international try. F Smith makes it five from five from the tee.
02:55pmKey moments • Tries • Video
TRY! Van Rensburg scores on debut
Just a few minutes after coming on, Bristol centre Van Rensburg scores with his first touch. He dropped the ball over the line in his unofficial England debut against a France XV but this time he makes no mistake from short range. The rest of his teammates were buzzing for him. F Smith adds the easy conversion.
02:53pm
34 mins: Fiji 3 England 21
Fiji concede yet another penalty, with tighthead prop Doge the offending party. The scrum is a real problem for Fiji, who will be worried about being given a yellow card if they concede another scrum penalty.
No surprise that England choose to scrum again...
02:52pm
33 mins: Fiji 3 England 21
England will be frustrated with that. Their rolling maul moves at pace through the Fijian 22 and gets to within five metres of the try line but the maul goes down legally and Fiji are awarded the scrum as the ball does not come out.
02:51pmKey moments
31 mins: Fiji 3 England 21
Fiji’s scrum is really creaking as England win another scrum penalty. It also does not help that they are down to 14 men with Botia in the bin.
England are being forced into at least a temporary change as Slade needs to go off for an HIA. That sees Benhard Janse van Rensburg, only just qualified, coming on for his England debut.
02:46pmTries
TRY! Pepper over from close range
The man who was booed by South African fans last week, who thought he was Henry Pollock, scores his first international try as he picks from the base of the ruck just a few metres out to score. F Smith gets the conversion and England’s lead grows out to 18 points. You could say that England have been peppering the Fiji line!
02:44pmVideo • Key moments
27 mins: Fiji 3 England 14
England win the penalty and take it quickly. Freeman is brought down just shy of the line before Botia dives completely off his feet at the breakdown cynically. Botia is rightly sent to the bin and Fiji will be down to 14 men for the next 10 minutes. Unsurprisingly, England opt for the scrum.
02:43pm
26 mins: Fiji 3 England 14
England come close to a third try but the ball is knocked on. M Smith’s grubber kick down the right wing rolls into the Fiji 22 and looked to have deceived Karawalevu. The Fiji winger knocks on into Freeman, who then knocks on himself.
England will have the scrum just over five metres out from the Fiji line.
02:41pmAnalysis
24 mins: Fiji 3 England 14
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Admittedly, it is roasting hot but the game has been painfully slow and stop-start so far. Steve Borthwick won’t care as long as England see out the victory but it is not going to win over a lot of converts in prime football heartland.
02:39pm
22 mins: Fiji 3 England 14
Is that a deliberate knock-on or a genuine knock-on? England work it well down the line just outside the Fiji 22 before Karawalevu attempts to intercept. It was a genuine attempt so just a knock-on.
England then win a free-kick, which they take quickly. After a few phases inside the Fijian 22, Atkinson puts through a clever grubber kick that Earl tries to gather five metres out from the line but he loses it forward. Had Earl gathered cleanly, it would likely have been a try.
02:37pm
20 mins: Fiji 3 England 14
Botia completely flattens Van Poortvliet, thinking the ball was out at the back of the ruck, but the ball was not out and England are given the penalty.
02:33pm
19 mins: Fiji 3 England 14
Due to the hot weather in Liverpool, we will have a water break. I think we have seen enough of those at the World Cup to last a lifetime!
02:29pmVideo • Tries
TRY! George driven over
There is no stopping England’s rolling maul. They win the lineout and set the maul. With the help of a few of the England backs as well, England’s captain in Maro Itoje’s absence George is the man to dot down at the back of the maul. F Smith adds the extras.
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Interesting to see centre Seb Atkinson at the front of England’s line-out for the maul that led to try by Jamie George, adding his heft to the drive.
02:28pm
14 mins: Fiji 3 England 7
England win themselves a penalty just inside the Fijian half. F Smith kicks into the Fiji 22 before England are then awarded another penalty for illegal contact in the air at the lineout. F Smith now puts it right into the corner.
02:26pm
PENALTY FIJI!
Muntz makes no error from around 45 metres out, with his kick sailing between the sticks. Fiji are on the board.
02:26pm
11 mins: Fiji 0 England 7
England may have dominated the first couple of scrums but this time it is Fiji who win the penalty as Heyes is the man penalised for collapsing the scrum.
Fiji take the pragmatic decision of going for goal...
02:24pmAnalysis
10 mins: Fiji 0 England 7
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For all their firepower in their outside backs, this is not a vintage Fiji team who controversially replaced Mick Byrne with Senirusi Seruvakula as head coach, which had more than a whiff of nepotism about it. Their tight five is already being taken to the cleaners by the England scrum which resulted in Marcus Smith’s fortuitous opening try.
02:23pm
8 mins: Fiji 0 England 7
Karawalevu nearly gives Fiji an immediate response. It all stems from Fiji breaking from just inside their own half and ends up with Karawalevu nearly scoring a stunning try right in the corner but he is bundled into touch by George.
02:20pmKey moments • Tries • Video
TRY! M Smith puts England in front
England get the first try of the game and it comes in slightly unusual circumstances. England’s pack dominates at scrum time and wins a penalty advantage. The ball is sent into the hands of the backs and F Smith tries to pick out his club teammate Freeman with a crossfield kick. With the line beckoning, the ball bounces over Freeman’s head and England think the chance is gone. However, the ball bounces off the corner flag and comes back infield, allowing M Smith to gather and score. The try was scored by one Smith, Marcus, and converted by another, Fin.
02:16pm
4 mins: Fiji 0 England 0
Fiji have the scrum just over five metres out from their own line but Lomani knocks the ball forward at the base of the scrum. A real gift from Fiji and a great attacking opportunity for England.
02:15pmAnalysis
3 mins: Fiji 0 England 0
England earn a scrum just inside the Fijian half and win a penalty. F Smith tries to take it quickly and picks out Freeman in acres of space on the right wing after a pinpoint crossfield kick but referee Hollie Davidson does not allow it.
F Smith kicks to the corner and England win the lineout before setting the maul. However, as England try to move the ball from front to back at the maul it is dropped forward and the chance is gone.
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England’s failure to convert chances in the 22 continues, with a good chance squandered on their first entry after Ben Earl dropped the ball in a driving maul from a line-out. A nervous start.
02:13pm
2 mins: Fiji 0 England 0
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A huge day for Steve Borthwick’s tenure as England head coach. After five successive Test defeats, England supporters – and the RFU – will be expecting a result today.
02:11pm
Kick-off
After Fiji perform their famous pre-game war dance the Cibi, we are under way in the Liverpool sunshine. Can England end their five-match losing run or will Fiji pile even more misery onto Steve Borthwick’s side?
Fiji perform the Cibi, and the challenge has been laid out to England#NationsChampionshippic.twitter.com/mNLXFdHyMa
— ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) July 11, 2026
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Benhard Janse van Rensburg definitely had a crack at singing at God Save the King. Not sure that’s going to completely quieten the debate about his right to wear the red (or orange as it is today) rose. There are quite a few empty seats for this match at the 52,000 seater Hill Dickinson Stadium, which is architecturally by far the most impressive ‘modern’ stadium I have been to.
02:08pm
Reminder of the teams
Fiji starting XV: 15 Salesi Rayasi, 14 Vuate Karawalevu, 13 Kalaveti Ravouvou, 12 Josua Tuisova, 11 Juta Wainiqolo, 10 Caleb Muntz, 9 Simione Kuruvoli; 1 Eroni Mawi, 2 Tevita Ikanivere (captain), 3 Mesake Doge, 4 Tevita Ratuva, 5 Isoa Nasilasila, 6 Peceli Yato, 7 Lekima Tagitagivalu, 8 Levani Botia.
Replacements: 16 Sam Matavesi, 17 Livai Natave, 18 Peni Ravai, 19 Temo Mayanavanua, 20 Elia Canakaivata, 21 Pita Gus Sowakula, 22 Frank Lomani, 23 Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula.
England starting XV: 15 Marcus Smith, 14 Tommy Freeman, 13 Henry Slade, 12 Seb Atkinson, 11 Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, 10 Fin Smith, 9 Jack van Poortvliet, 1 Ellis Genge, 2 Jamie George (captain), 3 Joe Heyes, 4 Alex Coles, 5 George Martin, 6 Ollie Chessum, 7 Guy Pepper, 8 Ben Earl.
Replacements: 16 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 17 Asher Opoku-Fordjour, 18 George Kloska, 19 Tom Curry, 20 Henry Pollock, 21 Alex Mitchell, 22 Rohan Janse van Rensburg, 23 Noah Caluori.
02:05pm
Anthem time
After quite the spectacle from the Fijian choir and dances, the two sides are welcomed out of the tunnel into the Liverpool sunshine.
It is time for the national anthems. God Save The King followed by Meda Dau Doka, translated as God Bless Fiji.
01:59pm
Fijian welcome
As it is officially a Fiji home game, the crowd at the Hill Dickinson are being treated to some Fijian customs, dance and song ahead of the two sides emerging for the anthems. The weather in Liverpool is more akin to what it is like in Fiji, in fact it is currently hotter in the UK than it is in Fiji.
01:57pm
England heavy favourites?
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The bookmakers have given England a 19-point handicap which seems a touch generous to me, but understandable after Fiji suffered a disappointing 39-24 loss to Wales, who really squeezed them at the set piece. With Steve Borthwick desperately needing a victory to quell doubts about his job security, will he revert to a kick-heavy, set-piece orientated game? Or does he stay true to his conviction that England need to play with bravery? It’s a tough balance because if the game becomes fast and loose that gives Fiji a route to victory.
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Steve Borthwick is a man under pressure - Ed Sykes/Getty Images
01:53pm
Pre-match thoughts of Steve Borthwick
01:47pm
Hot, hot, hot!
01:44pm
ITV crew on England
01:39pmVideo
Exciting Fijian winger on show
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For all the focus on Noah Caluori, I cannot wait to see Jiuta Wainiqolo in action again. For my money, he is second only to Louis Bielle-Biarrey among the world’s best wingers. A year ago, I saw him rip Australia apart in a warm-up game for the Lions series. If he gets any sniff of broken field, he can break the game apart.
01:34pm
The Fijian soldiers who electrified English rugby
01:28pm
How things have changed
These sides met in November of last year, with England running out 38-18 winners at Allianz Stadium to make it nine wins on the bounce for Steve Borthwick’s side. Fast forward eight months and England come into this next meeting with Fiji off the back of five consecutive defeats. There are five changes to the England starting XV from that day to today.
01:23pm
The making of Janse van Rensburg, England’s lightning-rod centre
01:16pm
Why Fiji are playing in Liverpool
Strictly speaking this game counts as a home one for Fiji but they have chosen to play their games this month in the UK as their national stadium does not currently meet competition requirements. Fiji are hoping to build a 25,000-seater stadium in Suva by the time the 2030 tournament rolls around.
01:11pm
Today’s games
New Zealand 47 Italy 17
Australia 26 France 42
Japan 20 Ireland 36
Fiji vs England 2.10pm
South Africa vs Scotland 4.40pm
Argentina vs Wales 8.10pm
01:04pm
Steve Borthwick speaking ahead of the game
01:00pm
Last five meetings
2025: England 38-18 Fiji
2023: England 30-24 Fiji
2023: England 22-30 Fiji
2016: England 58-15 Fiji
2015: England 35-11 Fiji
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Can Fiji pile even more misery onto England? - Ed Sykes/Getty Images
12:53pm
Caluori is England’s most game-changing athlete since Jason Robinson
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Noah Caluori only turns 20 in September - David Davies/PA
12:49pmKey moments
Teams
Fiji starting XV: 15 Salesi Rayasi, 14 Vuate Karawalevu, 13 Kalaveti Ravouvou, 12 Josua Tuisova, 11 Juta Wainiqolo, 10 Caleb Muntz, 9 Simione Kuruvoli; 1 Eroni Mawi, 2 Tevita Ikanivere (captain), 3 Mesake Doge, 4 Tevita Ratuva, 5 Isoa Nasilasila, 6 Peceli Yato, 7 Lekima Tagitagivalu, 8 Levani Botia.
Replacements: 16 Sam Matavesi, 17 Livai Natave, 18 Peni Ravai, 19 Temo Mayanavanua, 20 Elia Canakaivata, 21 Pita Gus Sowakula, 22 Frank Lomani, 23 Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula.
England starting XV: 15 Marcus Smith, 14 Tommy Freeman, 13 Henry Slade, 12 Seb Atkinson, 11 Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, 10 Fin Smith, 9 Jack van Poortvliet, 1 Ellis Genge, 2 Jamie George (captain), 3 Joe Heyes, 4 Alex Coles, 5 George Martin, 6 Ollie Chessum, 7 Guy Pepper, 8 Ben Earl.
Replacements: 16 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 17 Asher Opoku-Fordjour, 18 George Kloska, 19 Tom Curry, 20 Henry Pollock, 21 Alex Mitchell, 22 Rohan Janse van Rensburg, 23 Noah Caluori.
12:46pm
Extended half-time
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It is already a toasty 29C in Liverpool and so the Nations Championship organisers have decided to introduce additional water breaks for players and officials and extend half-time to 20 minutes. This is according to their Heat Stress Index, which is admirable from a player welfare perspective; less so those with an early train to catch post match.
12:44pm
Fijian support in Liverpool
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This is officially a home game for Fiji despite it being played in England - Ed Sykes/Getty Images
12:41pm
Sunny day on Merseyside
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England play a game at the Hill Dickinson for the first time - Ed Sykes/Getty Images
12:38pmKey moments
“Honest conversations” about discipline
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Captain Jamie George has vowed to get a grip on England’s lax discipline as they seek to halt their five-Test losing run against Fiji at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
A feature of England’s slump has been their appalling discipline conceding 56 penalties and nine yellow cards in that run, which has imperilled Steve Borthwick’s position as head coach. The last time England lost six in a row was in 2006 when Andy Robinson was sacked by the end of the year.
While England’s players are determined to block out their many detractors, George accepts that “honest conversations” needed to be held about their discipline after giving away 13 penalties and two yellow cards in the 45-21 defeat to the Springboks.
“It’s important for us to get a real true perspective,” George said. “It’s very hard to block out noise from elsewhere. We need to make sure we keep the most important thing the most important thing, keep believing in what we’re doing and stay tight. I’ve seen that this week. We’ve had some really good conversations around where we’re at and where we need to be. Discipline is a really key example for us to use. Our discipline let us down and it’s been consistent previously. We’ve some really good open, honest conversations around that and making sure we change behaviours and the narrative around it. Little key things like that will narrow our focus down and make us a better team.
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England have not won since the opening game of the Six Nations - George Wood/Getty Images
“That’s the big thing. It’s been a bit of a re-set. Obviously getting the travel out of the way is a bit of an added challenge with the lay-out of the tournament but it’s been good. By the team we landed everyone was pretty tired so we didn’t have any meetings until that evening. It then becomes quite a quick turnaround when you land on the Monday. We had a big review of the South Africa game and the key takeaways from that...but a lot of what of what we would want to improve from South Africa is what we would emphasis around Fiji anyway.. I think that’s a really good place to be and for us to start off our week.”
In the immediate aftermath of the loss to the Springboks, both George and vice-captain Ellis Genge claimed that England had “rattled” the Springboks for an hour of the contest at Loftus Versfeld despite falling into a 17-0 deficit. George doubled down on this assessment, even if he described England’s start as “unacceptable”.
He also pointed out that many of the penalties that England conceded were a result of huge Springbok pressure, especially led by flanker Paul De Villiers at the breakdown. The challenge for England is to reduce their penalty count against Fiji without compromising their aggression.
“With regards to discipline the thing that is key to differentiate is there are penalties we give away but there are also penalties that opposition teams put us under too much pressure and that is then a penalty,” George said. “We have gone through the penalties and said Tommy Freeman in terms of his penalty, he knows he needs to lower his tackle height. That is a penalty that is not where we want to be, then there are some penalties that you give…De Villiers that time over the ball with the kicking strategy they had, that is a different type of penalty we gave away. So, that is a strategic and tactical point we need to make sure we get.
“With regards to our discipline, the big focus is just make good rugby decisions that allow you to keep your edge, keep your physicality and keep playing a game in a combative way which is when we are at our best. We have been disciplined in the past and we will be disciplined in the future, it is just about making sure we make better, more informed decisions but keep backing ourselves to put ourselves as close to the fire as possible.”
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