England narrowly escapes Fiji's fierce challenge, but with the All Blacks looming, serious improvements are needed—and fast. While they secured the win, keeping their November streak alive, the performance was far from flawless. Steve Borthwick and his team will have plenty to dissect after a game where Fiji exposed England's vulnerabilities more than once. But here's the silver lining: what better way to prepare for the All Blacks than by facing—and overcoming—such a spirited opponent? Nine consecutive victories provide a solid foundation, but this match was a wake-up call.
Fiji, once seen as underdogs, are now a force to be reckoned with. Their performance at Twickenham was a testament to their growth, pushing England to the brink. A bit more luck, and the outcome might have been very different. Is Fiji on the verge of consistently toppling Tier One nations? It’s a question worth asking. And this is the part most people miss: Fiji’s set-piece and kicking games have evolved significantly, making them a threat in both structured and unstructured play.
England’s bench once again proved to be their saving grace, pulling them through in a hard-fought battle. But let’s be honest—this wasn’t the calculated revenge for their 2023 World Cup warm-up defeat. Instead, it was a scrappy, disjointed performance that left fans both relieved and frustrated. The All Blacks, fresh from their own narrow escape against Scotland, will undoubtedly take note. Will England’s disjointed play against Fiji give the All Blacks an edge?
Borthwick’s midfield will need a serious overhaul before facing New Zealand, as the cogs didn’t quite mesh against Fiji. The absence of Maro Itoje’s quiet authority was felt, though his late try highlighted the bench’s continued importance. England started strong, with Luke Cowan-Dickie’s early try setting the tone, but Fiji quickly responded with Tevita Ikanivere’s maul score, showcasing their improved set-piece prowess.
Caleb Muntz, Fiji’s fly-half, was a standout performer, orchestrating attacks that kept England on their toes. His miss pass to Selestino Ravutaumada led to a try that momentarily silenced Twickenham. Yet, England’s power and depth eventually prevailed, with replacements like Jamie George and Henry Arundell adding late tries to seal the win.
But here’s the controversial bit: Did England’s victory mask deeper issues? While they survived, the lack of accuracy and cohesion against Fiji raises questions about their readiness for the All Blacks. Borthwick’s midfield and pack will need to click seamlessly if they’re to stand a chance. And let’s not forget Fiji’s near-misses—a few tweaks, and they could have pulled off an upset.
So, what do you think? Is England’s winning streak a sign of strength, or are they papering over cracks? And how far can Fiji go with their current form? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
