The third Rugby World Cup quarter-final takes place in Marseille on Sunday (16:00), when England face off with Fiji for a place in the final four.
England are strong favourites to make the semi-finals but less than two months have passed since the Fijians claimed an historic victory at Twickenham prior to the World Cup.
- England -8 on handicap
- A yellow card to be shown
- England to score last try
Fatigue Could Impact Fiji
One of the big surprises of this year's Rugby World Cup has been Fiji qualifying from Pool C at the expense of two-time winners Australia.
The Fijians have always been known for their physicality and ability to test the best in the world on their day - but there have been significant improvements in the current squad.
Simon Raiwalui’s men are ranked tenth in the world but had failed to make the knockouts at any of the three previous World Cups.
They haven’t had to be outstanding to make the quarter-finals in France, with their 22-15 win over the Wallabies their standout performance.
But fatigue may well be an issue ahead of Sunday’s clash with England given Fiji were dragged into an epic battle by Portugal in their final group game – which they eventually lost 23-24.
Another concern for Fiji backers and supporters will be their discipline. The Pacific Islanders have already collected four yellow cards in the tournament.
England Confidence Growing
Having been pretty much written off before the tournament, England have taken advantage of a very favourable draw to make the last eight.
Steve Borthwick’s Red Rose had to face just one group opponent ranked in the world's top ten – Argentina – and went through as Pool D winners.
Even though they won all four of their group matches, England’s most impressive display came when beating the Pumas with 14-men in their opener.
The 2003 world champions edged out Samoa by a point, pulled away from Japan in the second half to win 34-12 and also thumped minnows Chile 71-0 in their other pool assignments.
However, belief in the camp appears to be growing, a sentiment emphasised by strong words from hooker Jamie George this week.
George admitted that August’s defeat at the hands of Fiji on home soil "hurt" and that Sunday’s clash offers England the "opportunity to put a few things right from that game".
Farrell returns at 10
Second Half Could Prove Crucial
There is no doubt Fiji can make life difficult for England, but the energy they invested in their final pool clash with Portugal is bound to have taken something out of their squad.
England, by their own admission, were shocking in that warm-up defeat in August and will feel this is a great chance to reach a World Cup semi-final and gain some revenge in the process.
It’s also worth noting that Borthwick’s men have seemed to get stronger as the match goes on, something highlighted by the points scored stats.
England scored 150 points in their four pool matches, with 86 of those points after the interval.
England vs Fiji Teams
England: 15 Marcus Smith, 14 Jonny May, 13 Joe Marchant, 12 Manu Tuilagi, 11 Elliot Daly, 10 Owen Farrell, 9 Alex Mitchell, 8 Ben Earl, 7 Tom Curry, 6 Courtney Lawes, 5 Ollie Chessum, 4 Maro Itoje, 3 Dan Cole, 2 Jamie George, 1 Ellis Genge
Bench: 16 Theo Dan, 17 Joe Marler, 18 Kyle Sinckler, 19 George Martin, 20 Billy Vunipola, 21 Danny Care, 22 George Ford, 23 Ollie Lawrence
Fiji: 15 Ilasaia Droasese, 14 Vinaya Habosi, 13 Waisea Nayacalevu, 12 Josua Tuisova, 11 Semi Radradra, 10 Vilimoni Botitu, 9 Frank Lomani, 8 Viliame Mata, 7 Levani Botia, 6 Lekima Tagitagivalu, 5 Albert Tuisue, 4 Isoa Nasilasila, 3 Luke Tagi, 2 Tavita Ikanivere, 1 Eroni Mawi
Bench: 16 Sam Matavesi, 17 Peni Ravai, 18 Mesake Doge, 19 Meli Derenalagi, 20 Vilive Miramira, 21 Simione Kuruvoli, 22 Iosefo Masi, 23 Sireli Maqala
