Preview: England vs. Fiji – Rugby World Cup 2023 Quarter-Final Showdown
In what promises to be a thrilling encounter, England and Fiji are set to collide in the quarter-finals of the Rugby World Cup 2023. Get ready for an action-packed Sunday, October 15, at Stade de Marseille, with the kick-off scheduled for 16:00 BST. As we delve into this exciting match, let’s explore the key details, the team news, and what’s at stake for these two formidable rugby teams.
A Chance for Redemption
England’s captain Owen Farrell will be at the helm of their attack, aiming to avenge their summer defeat by Fiji. In a dramatic turn of events, the Pacific Islanders secured a historic victory over England during their summer preparations. However, Captain Farrell led England to a significant milestone by becoming the all-time leading points scorer in their victory over Samoa during the pool stages. This sets the stage for an epic rematch.
Fiji’s Rise
Fiji, on the other hand, has been steadily gaining momentum in this tournament. They finished as runners-up behind Wales in Pool C, demonstrating their ability to compete at the highest level. Their qualification for the quarter-finals is a testament to their growing prowess in world rugby.
Team News
Both teams are making strategic changes to their line-ups for this crucial quarter-final clash. Notably, George Ford, who delivered two man-of-the-match performances in the pool stages, has been relegated to the bench for England. Owen Farrell will steer the attack from the fly-half position, and Marcus Smith gets the nod at full-back after an impressive showing against Samoa.
Fiji, meanwhile, has made five changes to their side, with Tevita Ikanivere earning his first World Cup start at hooker. This match holds emotional significance for the Fijians, as Sam Matavesi, whose father Sireli Matavesi recently passed away, will be on the bench.
The Road Ahead
The winner of this quarter-final will advance to face either the hosts, France, or the defending champions, South Africa, in the semi-finals. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and the prospect of creating history looms large for both teams.
Words from the Camps
England’s head coach, Steve Borthwick, is brimming with excitement about the knockout stage: “The players are embracing the challenge, and they are going to rise to it. These are big players who perform in the big games.”
Fiji’s kicking coach, Seremaia Bai, emphasized the importance of unity in their camp: “In Fiji, family is everything. We become very close. We know the players and the families come from humble beginnings, and we make sure there is the care and love that they need.”
Line-ups and Match Officials
Here are the line-ups for the quarter-final clash:
England: Smith; May, Marchant, Tuilagi, Daly; Farrell (capt), Mitchell; Genge, George, Cole, Itoje, Chessum, Lawes, Curry, Earl.
Fiji: Droasese; Habosi, Nayacalevu (capt), Tuisova, Radradra; Botitu, Lomani; Mawi, Ikanivere, Tagi, Nasilasila, Tuisue, Tagitagivalu, Botia, Mata.
Referee: Mathieu Raynal (France)
Assistants: Nic Berry (Australia), Pierre Brousset (France)
TMO: Ben Whitehouse (Wales)
Head-to-Head
England has a strong historical advantage, having won seven of their previous eight matches against Fiji. However, Fiji’s victory in their last meeting in August 2023 at Twickenham adds an intriguing twist to this encounter.
The Rankings
England is ranked sixth in the world, while Fiji holds the tenth spot. England has won their last four games, indicating a resurgence after a challenging period.
What If It’s a Draw?
In case the scores remain level after 80 minutes, prepare for some nail-biting extra time. If there’s still no winner, the game will venture into sudden death, where the first team to score wins. And if the deadlock persists, a kicking competition will decide the outcome.
As the world watches in anticipation, England and Fiji are poised to deliver a thrilling quarter-final spectacle at the Rugby World Cup 2023. Stay tuned for a clash of rugby titans, and may the best team advance to the semi-finals!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Keyword: Rugby World Cup 2023
Q: When and where is the England vs. Fiji Rugby World Cup 2023 quarter-final taking place?
A: The match is scheduled for Sunday, 15 October, at Stade de Marseille, with the kick-off at 16:00 BST.
Q: What’s the significance of this match for England and Fiji?
A: England is seeking to avenge a summer defeat by Fiji, with Owen Farrell leading the charge. Fiji aims to continue their impressive run in the tournament and make history with their first semi-final appearance.
Q: Are there any notable changes in the team line-ups?
A: Yes, England has made strategic changes, with George Ford on the bench and Owen Farrell at fly-half. Marcus Smith starts at full-back. Fiji has also made adjustments, including Tevita Ikanivere’s first World Cup start at hooker.
Q: Who will the winner of this quarter-final face in the semi-finals?
A: The winners will advance to face either hosts France or defending champions South Africa in the semi-finals, making the stakes even higher.
Q: What happens if the match ends in a draw?
A: In the event of a draw after 80 minutes, the match goes into extra time, consisting of two 10-minute halves. If there’s still no winner, it proceeds to sudden death. If needed, a kicking competition will determine the outcome.
Q: What is the historical head-to-head record between England and Fiji?
A: England has won seven of their previous eight matches against Fiji, with Fiji’s one victory occurring in their last meeting in August 2023 at Twickenham.
Q: How do the rankings stand for England and Fiji?
A: England is currently ranked sixth in the world, while Fiji holds the tenth spot. England has recently found form, winning their last four games after a challenging period.
Q: What do the coaches have to say about the upcoming match?
A: England’s head coach, Steve Borthwick, is excited about the challenge and believes that big players rise to the occasion. Fiji’s kicking coach, Seremaia Bai, emphasizes the importance of unity within the team and extends condolences to a player who recently suffered a loss.
More about Keyword: Rugby World Cup 2023
- Rugby World Cup 2023: Official site for the Rugby World Cup 2023.
- England Rugby: England’s official rugby site for team news and updates.
- Fiji Rugby: Official website of Fiji Rugby for information about the national team.
- Stade de Marseille: Information about the venue for the quarter-final.
- World Rugby Rankings: Up-to-date world rugby rankings.
- Rugby Rules: For those wanting to understand the rules of rugby better.
5 comments
Fiji’s rise in rugby is amazin’, these matches r gonna b intense!
Extra time, sudden death, kicking comp?! Rugby’s got it all, luv it!
France & South Africa next? Semis r gonna b a blast!
Wow, this match sounds epic, can’t wait 2 c it. Go england!
Thx 4 d details on head2head stats. Who’ll win?! #Exciting