England vs Fiji – Rugby World Cup 2023: Red Rose face huge quarter-final test
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ENGLAND have come through Pool D unbeaten but are likely to face a stern test on Sunday in their quarter-final against Fiji.
The Red Rose was in full bloom as Steve Borthwick’s men recorded four wins in four – but not many would say they looked dominant in some of those games.
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Plucky Fiji meanwhile earned their spot in the knockout stages – their first appearance since 2007 – through sheer blood, sweat and tears after edging through a tough Pool C on points differential.
Vern Cotter’s upstarts beat two-time champions Australia and Georgia while being narrowly edged out by Portugal and Wales – but will face a different proposition altogether in Marseilles’ Stade Velodrome.
When is England vs Fiji?
- England’s World Cup encounter against Fiji is set to take place Sunday, October 15.
- Kick off is set to get underway at 4pm BST.
- The allocated venue, the Stade Velodrome in Marseille, can hold 67,000 fans.
- The Red Rose last faced the Flying Fijians in a pre-World Cup warm-up game at Twickenham – losing that fixture 30-22.
What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?
- England vs Fiji will be broadcast LIVE on ITV 1.
- Coverage will begin 3pm BST – an hour before the expected kick-off time.
- Fans can also stream the entire match live on ITVX.
- Alternatively, follow SunSport’s blog for minute-by-minute coverage including pre-match and post-match reaction.
Can I watch it for FREE?
Yes!
Fans can watch England vs Fiji for FREE as long as you have a valid TV license in the UK.
What is the team news?
England will name their starting XV on Friday and all eyes will be on who gets the fly-half nod between George Ford and Owen Farrell.
Ford delivered man-of-the-match performances against Argentina and Japan and is the in-form number ten – but Farrell is England’s talisman and captain.
Attack coach Richard Wigglesworth said: “Owen’s a winner. That term gets thrown around quite a bit, but that’s Owen.
“Under the harshest of pressures and biggest of moments, he tends to get better. That is a sign of a winner.”
Fiji made six changes for their tight 24-23 defeat to Portugal and will likely consider a fresh approach to cut out the mistakes of that game.
What are the latest odds?
- England to win 3-10
- Draw 19-1
- Fiji to win 13-5
*Odds courtesy of Paddy Power and are correct at time of publication
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