Autumn Nations Series | What are the teams for England v Fiji?

by Autumn Nations Series

England return to Twickenham for their final match before the Rugby World Cup as they take on Fiji in the Summer Nations Series.

Steve Borthwick’s side fell to defeat to the world’s number one side, Ireland, a week ago in Dublin, but will be looking to bounce back against Fiji.

The Flying Fijians also tasted defeat, going down away to World Cup hosts France in Nantes, but were recent winners of the Pacific Nations Cup and in good form prior to that loss to Les Bleus.

England team news

Courtney Lawes will win his 100th England cap as he leads out the side against Fiji.

England have made nine changes from the side that was beaten in Dublin last weekend, including a new man at scrum-half – Alex Mitchell makes his first appearance of the summer after coming in to the squad for the injured Jack van Poortvliet.

Elsewhere, Ollie Lawrence starts alongside Manu Tuilagi in the midfield, with Max Malins and Jonny May starting on the wing.

Up front, Theo Dan will make his first start for England while Jack Willis comes in for his first start of the Summer Nations Series.

Steve Borthwick said: “After another eventful and dramatic encounter against the number one team in the world in Dublin last weekend, we are delighted to be back at Twickenham with our home supporters to welcome an in-form Fiji team.

“All of the Summer Nations Series Test matches have provided us with an opportunity to continue our preparations for the Rugby World Cup in France. Fiji have proven themselves to be a strong opposition and we look forward to what we expect to be an exciting and challenging game.”

Here’s the England team to take on Fiji at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday (15:15 BST kick-off)

Congratulations to captain Courtney Lawes, who will win his 100th cap for England 🙌#ENGvFIJ | #WearTheRose | @O2

— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) August 24, 2023

England team to face Fiji

15 Freddie Steward, 14 Max Malins, 13 Ollie Lawrence, 12 Manu Tuilagi, 11 Jonny May, 10 George Ford, 9 Alex Mitchell, 1 Ellis Genge, 2 Theo Dan, 3 Dan Cole, 4 Maro Itoje, 5 Ollie Chessum, 6 Courtney Lawes (c), 7 Jack Willis, 8 Ben Earl

Replacements: 16 Jack Walker, 17 Joe Marler, 18 Will Stuart, 19 David Ribbans, 20 Lewis Ludlam, 21 Danny Care, 22 Marcus Smith, 23 Joe Marchant

Fiji team news

Waisea Nayacalevu returns for Fiji and will captain the side at Twickenham as part of a formidable centre partnership with Semi Radradra.

He is one of seven changes from the side that lost to France, with Selestino Ravutaumada and Ilaisa Droasese coming into the back three.

Up front, Sam Matavesi and Luke Tagi are promoted to the starting front row, while there are two changes in the back row with Albert Tuisue and Lekima Tagitagivalu named on the flanks.

Fiji team to face England

15 Ilaisa Droasese, 14 Selestino Ravutaumada, 13 Waisea Nayacalevu, 12 Semi Radradra, 11 Vinaya Habosi, 10 Caleb Muntz, 9 Frank Lomani; 1 Eroni Mawi, 2 Sam Matavesi, 3 Luke Tagi, 4 Isoa Nasilasila, 5 Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, 6 Albert Tuisue, 7 Lekima Tagitagivalu, 8 Viliame Mata

Replacements:

16 Zuriel Togiatama, 17 Jone Koroiduadua, 18 Samu Tawake, 19 Temo Mayanavanua, 20 Vilive Miramira, 21 Simione Kuruvoli, 22 Teti Tela, 23 Kalaveti Ravouvou