England travels to Marseille preparing for the most important game of their World Cup journey, hoping to defeat a Fijian team that has already taken several significant victories in this tournament. The Pacific Island nation, who have already defeated England once this year, will be confident going up against an underdog England team.
Team News: England: Marcus Smith’s presence at full back, where Freddie Steward, who is usually always there, makes a significant statement. The six-foot-five Leicester player is completely left off the roster as Borthwick chooses to start centre Ollie Lawrence and halfbacks Danny Care and George Ford on the bench.
Fiji: Fiji made five lineup changes from the team that lost to Portugal in their last pool game.
As a hooker, Tevita Ikanivere is expected to start for the first time in the World Cup. Sam Matavesi, who just lost his father Sireli Matavesi, is expected to be one of the substitutes.
ENTERTAINMENT
Semi Radradra, who wasn’t present for the Pacific Islanders’ most recent pool match loss to Portugal, will be going back to the flank.
England’s lineup is as follows: Mitchell, Farrell (captain), Smith, May, Marchant, Tuilagi, Daly, Lawes, Curry, Earl, and Genge, George, Cole, Itoje, Chessum.
Dan, Marler, Sinckler, Martin, Vunipola, Care, Ford, and Lawrence are the replacements.
The following players represent Fiji: Droasese; Habosi, Nayacalevu (capt), Tuisova, Radradra; Botitu, Lomani; Mawi, Ikanivere, Tagi, Nasilasila, Tuisue, Tagitagivalu, Botia, Mata.
Matavesi, Ravai, Doge, Derenalagi, Kuruvoli, Masi, and Maqala are the replacements.
Remarks from the field:
Steve Borthwick of England: “It’s amazing to be here in the knockout stages of rugby.” We know it’s thrilling because the team has been growing throughout the competition to be here.
“The players are rising to the challenge and embracing it,” We have witnessed once more during this tournament that these are major players that perform in the big games.
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The athletes’ level of focus has been remarkable. Every day, I ask them to train hard. Through this competition, we have grown and have become aware of the necessity for us to advance as a team swiftly.
“The team would like to send our condolences to Sam and the family [following the death of his father],” said Seremaia Bai of Fiji.
“Family is everything in Fiji.” Since we began this campaign, we have spent fifteen weeks apart from our families, thus we are making this our family. We all suffer when one person does. Despite coming from various provinces, we are somewhat of a family in Fiji. We became rather close.
We make sure the players and their families receive the love and attention they require because we are aware of their lowly origins. Even though this is a very trying time, we must stick together and look out for one another.
Important matchup: Fijian backline as a whole versus Marcus Smith
Although Marcus Smith’s offensive skills have received a lot of attention, his defensive qualities have received less attention. It can be difficult to be the last line of defence, particularly when you have to halt Fijians from charging. Smith, who isn’t known for dominating the tackle zone, will probably want his wingers’ assistance.
Despite this, Smith has shown himself to be a courageous player by taking risks against bigger opponents. That is demonstrated by his last-minute, desperate tackle against Samoa in the previous game.
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