"True, they are the lowest-ranked team England will play in November, but it would be highly dangerous to underestimate Fiji. Coming between an opening victory against Australia and a box-office encounter with the All Blacks, it might be easy to regard Saturday's Twickenham encounter as a relatively straightforward assignment. Easy, but foolish. You don't have to go back far two years or so, to an autumn afternoon in Marseille and England's 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final to remember how potent Fiji can be."
"Picture the scene: with 10 minutes to play at Stade Velodrome, Vilimoni Botitu's attractive try has levelled the score at 24-24. An Owen Farrell drop goal edges Steve Borthwick's side back in front, before Ben Earl's frantic dash downfield sets up a penalty. Parisian bars are packed with French and South African supporters, warming up for their momentous Stade de France quarter-final by roaring the underdogs on. England ultimately scrape through with a six-point win."
England will face Fiji at Twickenham between an opening win over Australia and a marquee match with the All Blacks. Fiji stunned England in a World Cup quarter-final in Marseille, where a 24-24 comeback and late penalties left England scraping through by six points. Fiji also beat England at Twickenham in a pre-tournament warm-up, contributing to England's poor start under Steve Borthwick that included six losses in nine. England are now aiming for a ninth straight victory and improved form. Fiji treat the match as chance for redemption, with nationwide anticipation and vast popularity of rugby across Fiji.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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