Five Talking Points to Consider Ahead of England vs Fiji World Cup Quarter-Final

Key Highlights :

1. England are favourites to win the quarter-final against Fiji;2. England are motivated by the understanding that this is their last chance to win the World Cup;3. Fiji are a significant step up in opposition for England;4. Fiji are capable of delivering a special moment for a rugby-mad nation of 925,000 people.

     This Sunday, Steve Borthwick’s England team are heavy favourites to reach the last-four stage of the Rugby World Cup when they take on Fiji in the quarter-finals in Marseille. With the stakes so high, there are plenty of talking points to consider ahead of the Stade Velodrome showdown.

     Moment of truth

     England have been rebuilding throughout the World Cup, and now they face their first high-quality opposition. This is the moment of truth for the Red Rose – win and they advance to the semi-finals with their reputations intact, lose and a four-year cycle of disappointment and upheaval meets a gloomy conclusion.

     Last dance

     For some of the England team, this World Cup could be their last chance to lift the Webb Ellis Trophy. Players such as Jonny May, Courtney Lawes, Danny Care, Ben Youngs, Dan Cole and Manu Tuilagi are approaching the end of their international careers, and Borthwick will begin rebuilding at the next Six Nations.

     Pantomime villains

     England know that if they reach the semi-finals, they will have done so at the expense of the darlings of the World Cup, Fiji. As a result, they are aware that they will be public enemy number one, but they are used to fighting against popular opinion. They will be buoyed by the vast numbers of Red Rose fans who have followed their team in France and will turn the Stade Velodrome into a home venue.

     War on the floor

     The key battleground in this game is likely to be the back row, where Fiji are breakdown masters led by Levani Botia. England’s response will be a team effort, but players such as Lawes, Tom Curry and Ben Earl have crucial roles to play on the floor, ensuring that the Islanders do not gain a foothold there.

     Can lightening strike twice?

     Fiji have already beaten England this year, and they have one of the greatest and best prepared teams in their history. It would be a special moment for the rugby-mad nation of 925,000 people if they could pull off a shock victory and reach the semi-finals.

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