England made it nine wins in a row with a hard-fought 38-18 victory over Fiji at Twickenham.
Luke Cowan-Dickie gave the hosts the perfect start as he powered over after five minutes to give a much-changed England side the lead, but Fiji hit back with two quick tries.
Fiji had the bit between their teeth, but a yellow card for Selestino Ravutaumada allowed Immanuel Feyi-Waboso to take advantage and give Steve Borthwick’s side a slender half-time lead.
A chaotic game did not let up in the second half but despite a spirited Fiji display, England’s strength off the bench made the difference as they eventually ran out convincing winners.
Sam Tabuteau was at Twickenham to rate the England players...
Marcus Smith 7
A battling display from Marcus Smith. Took some big tackles, but got right back up and had the presence of mind to add some flair to England’s play. His kick chase was converted by Arundell.
Tommy Freeman 6
Could not stretch his legs as he would have liked, with space out wide limited. Picked up some good positions, drawing a second Fiji sin-bin in the second half.
Ollie Lawrence 8
England’s third try was all about his huge charge through the middle. Got through a lot of good work in the tackle, missing just one of the 14 tackles he attempted. A fully fit Lawrence makes England a much better team.
Fraser Dingwall 6
Nearly got himself on the scoresheet before Itoje settled the game a minute later.
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso 8
His foul gave Fiji the opportunity to score with their first foray forward. However, he bounced back superbly, scoring England’s second try after taking a huge hit mid-air from Ravutaumada.
Fin Smith 7
Entrusted to play 10, he grew into the game after a slow start. Accurate from the tee and found Feyi-Waboso with a deft kick for England’s second try. Made the most tackles of any player on the pitch.
Alex Mitchell 5
Not his best performance. His quick hands kept England moving with pace early on, but he struggled in the tackle.
Ellis Genge 8
England’s stand-in captain got through plenty of work as the hosts tried to get to grips with Fiji’s physicality. Grabbed England’s third try at an important time.
Luke Cowan-Dickie 7
Followed up his try against Australia by powering over to give England the early lead. Took a huge hit mid-air from Ravutaumada.
Joe Heyes 6
A solid performance, but conceded a sloppy penalty for going too early. Replaced in the 51st minute.
Alex Coles 7
A busy performance from the Northampton Saints lock, who had to contend with a relentlessly physical Fiji side.
Ollie Chessum 7
Gave England a base from which to play by asserting himself from the lineout. Strong in the air.
Guy Pepper 5
Lots of competition at flanker, but was not able to make much of an impression.
Ben Earl 8
Could not prevent Muntz from scoring despite an impressive last-ditch tackle. Made the most carries of any England player, helping exert pressure on the hosts and getting them up the field. Another strong display from one of England’s most consistent performers.
Chandler Cunningham-South 9
Impressed on his first England start at No8, matching Fiji’s physicality, and making some huge driving runs with the ball in hand. Made a crunching tackle to put an end to a dangerous Fiji attack early in the second half.
Replacements:
Jamie George 7
Added experience and a try scoring touch off the bench to settle England's nerves.
Fin Baxter 6
Has featured in every England match since his debut in July last year, and with good reason. Solid if unspectacular performance tonight.
Asher Opoku-Fordjour 6
Provided fresh legs off the bench as England eventually raced away with the game.
Maro Itoje 7
Gave England daylight as he dived over from close range. England missed his presence at times today.
Tom Curry 6
Showed his experience off the bench as Borthwick’s changes made the difference.
Henry Pollock 6
No longer England’s hot new prodigy, that title belongs to Noah Caluori. Pollock is a more rounded and dangerous player than that. A mature performance off the bench.
Ben Spencer 6
Helped England over the line, but had an otherwise quiet cameo.
Henry Arundell 8
Made an instant impact, bursting through to convert Marcus Smith’s kick. How England have missed the 23-year-old.
