Match Preview – England vs Fiji

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Steve Borthwick, Fin Smith and Sky Sports discuss England’s Autumn International against Fiji

Steve Borthwick & Fin Smith talk to Sky Sports about England’s Autumn International match with Fiji

Steve Borthwick’s England has failed to win the Six Nations trophy in any of their three campaigns. They have also not claimed a Triple Crown due to two defeats by Ireland and Scotland. There is a feeling that things are changing for Borthwick’s side. 
The 2024 Autumn Nations Series saw New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa suffer three losses from four matches. 2023’s Rugby World Cup Warm-ups saw Wales, Ireland, and Fiji Ireland won the first Six Nations match in 2025, with England losing comfortably. They also had a morale-boosting but fortunate win over France at Twickenham as well as a one- England’s team has improved in quality and depth over the past few months. They are currently on an eight-Test win streak and may well be ready for the Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia Immanuel Fayi Waboboso, Henry Pollock and Fin Smith, three of England’s young talents, are the future of their national team. The 2025 Six Nations England created depth with two impressive victories against the Pumas. Smith was one 15 English players that tasted British & Irish Lions participation by the tour of Australia.”It’s [fly-half competition in England camp] good. Fin Smith said to Sky Sports in this week, “It’s my real motivation.” Smith was a standout player for England in 2025 when they were looking to improve. Make the shirt your own.”I have the chance to wear the jersey next week, and I must do it justice. If you don’t, some amazing players will be happy to take your jersey off.”It has been fantastic and we all have great relationships. We get along really well with each other and we all learn a lot from one another. I’m enjoying it at this moment.” I’m really enjoying it at the moment.” It is building togetherness. It’s building depth. England’s Pollock looks like a player who is destined to be one of the greats in the sport. “It builds the competition for positions.” This is an exciting time for England. Seeing such high-quality players in the squad is an exciting step. We have many talented players.All England supporters are looking forward to their arrival.” Please use Chrome to view the video. England lock Alex Coles said that the rest were disappointed and stunned by Joe Marler leaving The Traitors. This is a truly amazing run of consistency, fitness and form.Fin Smith describes him as a freak. “It’s just his consistency, to be able show up every week. He sets standards in training and energy, then goes out on the pitch and performs like a man with a mission. Maro Itoje is set to start as a reserve for England for the first Test since November 2017. He’s built differently.”You can toss him anything. Challenges, big games or small games. And he still turns out the same Maro. Which is an absolute beast that wants nothing more than to get up and fight for 80 minute. He is a great example to us. We are lucky to have such a leader and all of us follow his lead into battle.Borthwick also said that Borthwick’s skipper is an amazing leader and a great player. He was injured in the match last weekend and didn’t have time to train during the first half this week. I therefore decided that it would be best to bring him off the bench.It will be thrilling to watch them on the field. “You can see the quality of players we have on our bench.” Ellis Genge is the captain of the current England squad. With Itoje sitting on the bench, Ellis Genge takes over as the leader. He was a key player in the Lions Tour this summer. Fin Smith confirms that he’s the same when playing for England.Smith states that “he’s an emotional and spiritual leader for us.” He’s a man who wears his heart out and doesn’t hesitate to show his passion for the game.He’s very proud to be playing for England, and to be able lead the England team. He’ll certainly get us fired-up for the weekend. Fin Smith called Genge England’s “emotional and spiritual” leader. Borthwick also says: “I believe he is a terrific leader, a fantastic player, and a fantastic guy.” He’s a guy you can follow into battle.”It is exactly what we are looking for this weekend. We know that it will be a tough Test against an incredibly talented Fijian team.”It is fantastic that we have such experienced players as Ellis Genge to lead us this weekend.” Please use Chrome for an accessible video player. England head coach Borthwick has revealed that they have begun preparing for Pollock to play on the wings. Marcus Smith, 14, Tommy Freeman. Ollie Lawrence. 12. Fraser Dingwall, 11. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, 10. Fin Smith; 9. Alex Mitchell; 1. Ellis Genge; 2. Luke Cowan-Dickie, 3. Joe Heyes 4. Alex Coles. Ollie Chessum, 6. Guy Pepper 6. Ben Earl, 8. Chandler Cunningham-South.Replacements: 16. Jamie George, 17. Fin Baxter. Asher Opoku Fordjour, 19. Maro Itoje, 20. Tom Curry is 21. Henry Pollock, 22, Ben Spencer, 23. Ben Spencer, 23. Henry Arundell.England’s Autumn Nations Series scheduleNovember 1England 26-7 Australia – Allianz Stadium TwickenhamNovember 8England Vs Fiji– Allianz Stadium Twickenham (55.40pm)November 15England Vs New Zealand– Allianz Stadium Twickenham (30.10pm), November 23England in a match against Argentina at Allianz Stadium Twickenham.

2025-11-07 16:04:00