An end-to-end Autumn Nations Series match at Twickenham ended in England’s ninth successive win as Steve Borthwick’s well-stocked hosts eventually proved too much for a fearless Fijian group to handle.
Two years on from their last meeting, it looked as if the Pacific Islanders might enact another upset on Saturday when two quickfire tries and a penalty cancelled out Luke Cowan-Dickie’s early opener, but in-form wing Immanuel Feyi-Waboso recovered from a mid-air wipe-out to put the much-changed hosts ahead at the break, capitalising on the first of two Fiji sin bins on the night. Ellis Genge got over to open the second half’s scoring following a strong Ollie Lawrence carry and Fiji responded again, before a second yellow card - this time for offside - gave way to three more English tries in the closing stages as Borthwick’s replacements added pace and power to the attack.
It wasn’t the straightforward victory England hoped for, but there are still plenty of positives to take from this latest triumph ahead of next Saturday’s showdown with the All Blacks. Relive all the action from England vs Fiji below in Standard Sport’s dedicated live blog, featuring expert analysis from Sam Tabuteau at the ground!
England vs Fiji latest news
- TRY! Itoje comes off bench to score; Smith converts
- TRY! Arundell motors past Fijian defence to collect Marcus Smith kick
- TRY! George scores after second Fiji sin bin
- TRY! Ikanivere gets another for Fiji
- TRY! Genge after superb Lawrence carry; Smith converts
- TRY! Feyi-Waboso plus Smith conversion puts England in front again after mid-air wipe-out
- PENALTY! Fiji add to advantage
- TRY! Muntz gives Fiji lead
- TRY! Fiji hit back through Ikanivere
- TRY! Cowan-Dickie gets over and Fin Smith converts
REPORT: Arundell scores on Twickenham return as hosts make most of man advantage
20:17 , Alex DakersHenry Arundell produced a stunning finish to propel England to a 38-18 victory over Fiji at Allianz Stadium that keeps alive their pursuit of an unbeaten autumn.
The Islanders are the lowest-ranked opposition to visit Twickenham this month but they presented a far greater threat than Australia seven days earlier as they chased a repeat of their seismic 2023 upset at the same venue.
Their ability to strike from anywhere on the field meant England could not breathe easy until the 69th minute, when Arundell showed his searing pace after being presented with a half-chance by Marcus Smith’s grubber.
Steve Borthwick introduced his ‘bomb squad’ of five replacement forwards in the 54th minute and while they made a difference, it was the athleticism of Arundell that sealed Fiji’s fate.
READ THE FULL MATCH REPORT FROM TWICKENHAM HERE!
Sam Tabuteau reports
19:30 , Alex DakersEngland come out on top of a chaotic game. That is nine wins in a row for Steve Borthwick's side.
FT: England 38-18 Fiji
19:29 , Alex DakersThat is all we have time for at Twickenham!
It wasn’t always easy for England, but they made the most of two Fiji sin bins and showed the strength in depth of Steve Borthwick’s squad to pull comfortably ahead in the closing stages.
Sam Tabuteau reports
19:28 , Alex DakersEngland home and dry now it seems. captain Maro Itoje with the all important try.
CONVERSION! England 38-18 Fiji
19:26 , Alex DakersFin Smith knocks that one through. Four from six attempts.
TRY! England 35-18 Fiji
19:24 , Alex Dakers75mins: And the skipper scores!
England are roaring now despite Josua Tuisova being back from the sin bin, and Maro Itoje leaps across the try line after a quick penalty and a few phases of play.
Maro Itoje's taking flight ✈️#ENGvFIJ pic.twitter.com/I31ZJTIURF
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) November 8, 2025
England 31-18 Fiji
19:22 , Alex Dakers71mins: And with England feeling more comfortable now, Maro Itoje emerges from the bench for the final 10 minutes.
Sam Tabuteau reports
19:22 , Alex DakersWhat an impact from the jet heeled Henry Arundell.
TRY! England 31-18 Fiji
19:18 , Alex Dakers69mins: Absolutely BLISTERING pace from replacement wing Henry Arundell to speed onto a Marcus Smith kick down the left touchline.
England can breathe a little easier entering these final 10 minutes at Twickenham, despite Fin Smith’s second missed conversion from a tight angle.
Friendly reminder: Henry Arundell is FAST 💨#ENGvFIJ pic.twitter.com/gdgbgvVl26
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) November 8, 2025
England 26-18 Fiji
19:16 , Alex Dakers68mins: More changes from both sides, and I believe the only man who hasn’t emerged from the bench today is Maro Itoje, who has been carrying a knock.
Sam Tabuteau reports
19:10 , Alex DakersEngland have got out of jail there.
They have been so open in defence, they just can't close out this game, no matter how many chances Fiji give them.
DISALLOWED TRY! England 26-18 Fiji
19:09 , Alex Dakers63mins: But Fiji will not quit!
Simione Kuruvoli finishes a lightning fast move from the visitors, cutting England’s defence wide open.
This one is being reviewed, though, as Kuruvoli may have lost control and knocked it on... and he has indeed, it is decided by the TMO.
England’s lead remains at eight points.
TRY! England 26-18 Fiji
19:04 , Alex Dakers60mins: England line-out and then the hosts squeeze the ball over the try line through Jamie George in a maul!
Sam Tabuteau reports
19:03 , Alex DakersAnother Fiji sin-bin. England need to make this count.
England 21-18 Fiji
19:01 , Alex Dakers58mins: England work it left to right well but Freeman is halted just before the try line.
The hosts have a penalty, though, and then another, and Josua Tuisova goes to the sin bin for 10 minutes as the visitors are pinged for two offsides.
Sam Tabuteau reports
19:00 , Alex DakersEngland will hope these changes can help them settle down. They have not been able to control this game as they would have liked.
Fiji just won't let this up, they recognise they can get at England.
England 21-18 Fiji
18:59 , Alex Dakers57mins: Shortly after that Fiji try, Steve Borthwick sent on a brand new forward pack for England.
Henry Pollock and Tom Curry are on too, no Maro Itoje yet.
TRY! England 21-18 Fiji
18:55 , Alex Dakers53mins: Hang on!
In a move similar to the one that led to their first try, Fiji get another through their skipper Ikanivere after a line-out and the daylight between England and their visitors shrinks again.
Not by as much as it could, though, as Caleb Muntz can’t get the conversion from a tough angle.
Sam Tabuteau reports
18:53 , Alex DakersThat try is all about Ollie Lawrence.
He dances his way past a number of Fijian tackles before Ellis Genge eventually goes over. England have daylight.
CONVERSION! England 21-13 Fiji
18:54 , Alex DakersFin Smith makes it three for three from the tee.
TRY! England 19-13 Fiji
18:52 , Alex Dakers49mins: But just like that, Ollie Lawrence breaks to eat up ground and it’s captain Ellis Genge that eventually gets over the line for England.
The step from Ollie Lawrence 👌#ENGvFIJ pic.twitter.com/PH1PyeOxwh
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) November 8, 2025
England 14-13 Fiji
18:50 , Alex Dakers49mins: England have lost their shape here somewhat in a rather frantic start to the second period.
You sense this one could go either way.
England 14-13 Fiji
18:46 , Alex Dakers45mins: Ravutaumada returns from the sin bin and it’s 15 vs 15 again at Twickenham.
England 14-13 Fiji
18:45 , Alex Dakers43mins: England kick it long and try to chase, but Fiji recover - and then lose it again.
The hosts piling on pressure with this man advantage they still have, but then try-scorer Luke Cowan-Dickie is called for a neck-roll and Fiji clear to touch.
Sam Tabuteau reports
18:47 , Alex DakersCunningham-South has impressed on his first England start. A meaty tackle from him to stop a dangerous Fiji attack.
England 14-13 Fiji
18:43 , Alex Dakers41mins: The referee has just confirmed Ravutaumada's first-half sin bin will remain a yellow card for taking Feyi-Waboso out in the air.
Feyi-Waboso then gives away a penalty for taking out Fiji’s Rayasi in the air!
The visitors kick into England’s half to attack.
Second half kick-off
18:41 , Alex DakersBack underway at Twickenham.
In pictures: Fiji's yellow card
18:33 , Alex DakersHere’s the moment visiting winger Ravutaumada collided with the mid-air Feyi-Waboso, resulting in a yellow card for the Fijian wing.
He’ll spend the start of the second half in the sin bin as well for that, with the yellow card being reviewed in case it is deemed worthy of an upgrade that would see him miss the rest of the match.
Sam Tabuteau's half-time thoughts
18:29 , Alex DakersEngland narrowly ahead, they have been given a real scare here.
Borthwick will want them to push on after the break, with a man advantage (see 36mins).
Sam Tabuteau reports
18:27 , Alex DakersQuite how Feyi-Waboso bounced back after that hit mid-air I will never know. The England winger then gets himself on the scoresheet.
Great perseverance.
HT: England 14-13 Fiji
18:26 , Alex DakersThat’s it for an end-to-end first half!
CONVERSION! England 14-13 Fiji
18:24 , Alex DakersFin Smith converts again, and England lead by one now.
TRY! England 12-13
18:23 , Alex Dakers38mins: Immanuel Feyi-Waboso is evidently just fine, as he races out wide, receives and calmly side steps in for a try that closes Fiji’s lead to one!
Pin-point from @finsmithh 🎯
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) November 8, 2025
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso does the rest 💪#ENGvFIJ pic.twitter.com/dnuSUkn6BO
YELLOW CARD! England 7-13 Fiji
18:21 , Alex Dakers36mins: Selestino Ravutaumada will spend the next 10 minutes in the sin bin.
The Fijian is shown a yellow card, which is being reviewed for a possible red, after clattering into Feyi-Waboso while the England man was flying through the air to claim a high kick.
The Englishman is okay but that was mindless play.
England 7-13 Fiji
18:15 , Alex Dakers31mins: More untidy play from England with another knock-on into touch down the left.
Steve Borthwick’s men have won eight straight since losing to Ireland on 1 February.
Is an upset on the cards?
Sam Tabuteau reports
18:14 , Alex DakersThis is turning into a real test of England's credentials. Fiji are not afraid of causing an upset in this corner of west London.
PENALTY! England 7-13 Fiji
18:12 , Alex Dakers30mins: A ruck infringement from England and Fiji get the resulting penalty, with Caleb Muntz successful from the tee this time on his third attempt of the night.
Sam Tabuteau reports
18:06 , Alex DakersRemarkable. After all that England pressure, a sucker punch from Fiji.
TRY! England 7-10 Fiji
18:05 , Alex Dakers22mins: Fiji break quickly, Caleb Muntz is over and the visitors take the lead!
It’s a great burst forward in midfield from Josua Tuisova and a few phases later fly-half Muntz collects a Simione Kuruvoli chip to score.
No conversion again from Muntz, though, and those misses may end up hurting if this game stays close.
England 7-5 Fiji
18:02 , Alex Dakers19mins: Some big hits in the early stages of this one, and England’s attack ends with a Cunningham-South knock-on.
Fiji scrum in their own half.
Sam Tabuteau reports
18:00 , Alex DakersEngland back on the offensive. They have reacted well to Fiji's try, but need to be more neat with the ball in hand.
England 7-5 Fiji
17:59 , Alex Dakers17mins: Fiji take their turn to press forward, powerfully and with some frightening pace at times, before a forward pass halts their momentum.
This might be another night against the Pacific Islanders that ends up being far from straightforward for England.
England 7-5 Fiji
17:57 , Alex Dakers14mins: An England line-out about five metres out ultimately comes to nothing as Ben Earl knocks on at the ruck.
Sam Tabuteau reports
17:56 , Alex DakersThis has been a frantic start from both teams. Hopefully more to come!
TRY! England 7-5 Fiji
17:52 , Alex Dakers11mins: The visitors are right back in this!
A Fijian line-out near England’s try line, the Pacific Islanders edge ever closer with a rolling maul, and then skipper Tevita Ikanivere breaks free.
The conversion from Caleb Muntz won’t go this time, though.
CONVERSION! England 7-0 Fiji
17:49 , Alex DakersFin Smith converts.
TRY! England 5-0 Fiji
17:48 , Alex Dakers7mins: Luke Cowan-Dickie gets over and England lead!
Good play from the hosts there, working there way to the try line phase by phase, and that’s exactly the start Steve Borthwick will have wanted.
England 0-0 Fiji
17:45 , Alex Dakers4mins: But then, a turnover via an unplayable ball - and it’s Fiji’s possession.
The visitors’ scrum near their own try line is followed by a clearance to touch from Muntz ease the pressure.
England’s ball again.
England 0-0 Fiji
17:44 , Alex Dakers2mins: The hosts are immediately on the front foot, earning a penalty in the middle of the park and then a line-out inside the Fijian 22.
KICK-OFF! England 0-0 Fiji
17:41 , Alex DakersEnglish full-back Marcus Smith gets us underway at Twickenham.
England could soon have nine straight wins under their belts, but not if Fiji - who humbled their hosts last time at this ground - have anything to say about it!
Here we go!
17:38 , Alex DakersFiji’s national anthem is followed by England’s, and we are just about ready to go at Twickenham!
First, though the Fijian Cibi.
Silence for Remembrance Day before national anthems
17:35 , Alex DakersPrior to the national anthems, both sets of players and those fans in attendance fall silent with Remembrance Day approaching.
The shirts of both squads feature images of poppies.
Sam Tabuteau reports
17:31 , Alex DakersImpressive pre-games lights show here.
England are looking to lay down a marker this evening, with New Zealand to come next weekend. As Ellis Genge warned in the week, though, this will be a battle of attrition against a hard hitting Fiji side.
England limbering up
17:31 , Alex DakersNot long to go now until our 5:40pm (GMT) kick-off at Twickenham.
Steve Borthwick has been getting his squad ready, as they seek to avoid a repeat of the shock defeat Fiji inflicted on them the last time these two teams met here.
Who do England play in this four-match series?
17:30 , Alex DakersHaving beaten Australia 25-7 last weekend, England take on Fiji today before facing the mighty All Blacks next up in this Autumn Nations Series.
Then, it’s Argentina.
1 November: England 25-7 Australia
Today: England v Fiji
15 November: England v New Zealand
23 November: England v Argentina
Sam Tabuteau's match preview, live from Twickenham
17:23 , Alex DakersOur correspondent Sam Tabuteau is reporting live from Twickenham, and had this to say about Steve Borthwick’s team selection and England’s need to avoid “complacency”:
🎙️ Sam Tabuteau previews today's showdown between England and Fiji live from Twickenham.
— Standard Sport (@standardsport) November 8, 2025
💬 Seven changes, Fin Smith's role and the need to avoid "complacency".@tabuteauS
LIVE: https://t.co/fXoDis0d23#ENGvFIJ | #QuilterNS | #QCNS pic.twitter.com/550sSBIUgd
Fiji's last match: Pacific Cup champions again
17:12 , Alex DakersAs for the Fijians, their last outing as a nation saw them beat Japan 33-27 in September to lift the Pacific Nations Cup for a record seventh time.
In a rematch of the previous year’s final, Fiji emerged as champions, with Mesake Vocevoce, Inia Tabuavou, Tevita Ikanivere and Joji Nasova (twice) getting over while Caleb Muntz made four conversions.
Muntz and Ikanivere are in the XV today, while Vocevoce is among the replacements.
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England's last match: Eighth successive win
17:04 , Alex DakersLast weekend, Henry Pollock delivered the pivotal try as England's bench turned the tide in a 25-7 victory over Australia at Allianz Stadium that launched the autumn with their eighth successive win.
The arrival of five British and Irish Lions with half an hour left was decisive against the Wallabies, whose revival was halted when Pollock showed speed and skill to run in his third Test try in the 60th minute, building an eight-point lead at a stage when the match was finely poised.
Tries from Alex Mitchell and Luke Cowan-Dickie then propelled England out of sight, clinching their first win against one of the southern hemisphere big three since 2022.
England on arrival
16:58 , Alex DakersFans lined the streets outside Twickenham earlier as England arrived.
Will the home support - and players - be leaving the stadium buzzing from a ninth straight victory later, or will Fiji get one over on them again?
Countdown to kick-off
16:52 , Alex DakersLess than an hour until kick-off at Twickenham!
England must get Feyi-Waboso more involved
16:47 , Alex DakersEngland view Immanuel Feyi-Waboso as their Jason Robinson but such an illustrious comparison to the former dual-code international, as was made by assistant coach Kevin Sinfield, means nothing if the electric Exeter wing is denied the ball.
Against Australia, the Gallagher Prem’s leading try scorer was limited to six touches and most of those were in no-win situations, a frustrating statistic given his one meaningful run shredded the Wallabies’ defence.
Unleashing Feyi-Waboso has been made a priority by England, who have also told the 22-year-old flyer he must go hunting for the ball.
Borthwick on England's fly-half battle as Curry builds fitness
16:38 , Alex DakersA year after taking England’s autumn by storm as a fly-half, Marcus Smith has slipped to third in the pecking order at 10 behind Fin Smith and Ford, leaving full-back as his best route into the side.
“There are lots of good players here. Whereas a player is always selected for their club, sometimes that’s not quite the case here and the role changes,” Steve Borthwick said this week.
“That produces challenges for us and in the environment because they all want to play, but I’d much rather it that way than the other way.”
Elsewhere, British and Irish Lions flanker Tom Curry continues as a replacement as he builds match fitness following his return from wrist surgery.
“Tom hadn’t played since the Lions tour until last weekend. There was a big temptation to start him against Fiji, but we’ll bring him on off the bench. He’s in a really good place,” Borthwick said.
“I can’t praise Tom enough. Would he want to be starting? Yes, I have no doubt about that, but he also understands the role I’m asking him to play right now.”
Smith starting at full-back
16:27 , Alex DakersAs for England, Steve Borthwick expects the return of Marcus Smith to bring a ruthless streak to the side’s attack against Fiji.
Smith is one of seven new faces in the starting XV following a successful start to the autumn against Australia, with Fin Smith selected ahead of George Ford at fly-half and Ollie Lawrence returning at outside centre after recovering from Achilles surgery.
Borthwick’s quest to build squad depth ahead of the 2027 World Cup continues with Chandler Cunningham-South’s first start at No8.
Experimentation will cease for New Zealand’s visit to Twickenham next time, but for now Marcus Smith has the chance to take advantage of Freddie Steward’s hand injury by justifying Kevin Sinfield’s view that he developed into a “world class” full-back.
England’s main flaw in a dominant win against the Wallabies was the failure to turn pressure into points, but Borthwick insists the 26-year-old Harlequin’s kicking and running games can make the difference.
“I’m really hopeful there that we’ll see Marcus in space in unstructured opportunities,” England’s head coach said.
“Everybody in the stadium is going to be excited when that ball comes into his hands in a bit of space.
“He’s a brilliant player. You see him out there at the end of training, he’s always working to add to his game. He’s hungry and he’s exciting. That’s what I want to see from him on Saturday.
“Last weekend we had opportunities, but unfortunately we didn’t convert them. We’ve been working on that this week to make sure we support on line break situations, finish and get the points on the board.”
Analysis: Tuisova and Ravouvou a dual threat for Fiji
16:17 , Alex DakersFiji’s line-up is full of threats but chief among them is the centre pairing of Josua Tuisova and Kalaveti Ravouvou.
Tuisova, nicknamed the “Human Bulldozer”, will provide ball carrying clout at inside centre while Bristol’s Ravouvou is also a destructive runner through his explosive speed and agility.
“It’s an exciting combination, especially when you watch them work together on the training track,” said Fiji head coach Mick Byrne.
“Kalaveti’s grown enormously since I first had him at [rugby union team] the [Fijian] Drua, and his professionalism has grown.
Byrne added: “It’s a credit to [director of rugby] Pat Lam and Bristol for the growth they’ve been able to get with Kalaveti.
“His game awareness is very strong, so having him in the middle with Josua gives us a nice, physical combination.
“They’re both quality players and they run strong and run hard at the line, which is what we like.”
Fijians hold no fear of Twickenham anymore after 2023
16:11 , Alex DakersFiji head coach Mick Byrne insists a breakthrough 2023 against England means Allianz Stadium holds no fear for his Islanders.
The nations clash on Saturday with Fiji hoping to prove lightning strikes twice after storming Twickenham two years ago, running out 30-22 winners.
It was their maiden victory against England in eight attempts and two months later they took Steve Borthwick’s men to the wire in the last eight of the World Cup.
“Sometimes there are different personnel out on the field, but the fact that we’ve been there on that big stage at Twickenham and then in the quarter-final, it means we’ve been there before,” Byrne said.
“It takes away that element of players being overawed by the occasion, which keeps a real good focus on our ability to play our game.”
England keen to avoid repeat of Twickenham 'heartache' vs Fiji
16:06 , Alex DakersAlex Coles has backed up Genge’s view as he prepares go head to head with his former Northampton team-mate Temo Mayanavanua.
“You can’t be lulled into that false sense of security. They’re the friendliest, most lovely people, then you’re carrying the ball and next thing you know they’ve taken your ribs out,” Coles said.
“It’s something we’ve addressed as a team – knowing those players and being aware that we’re going to see a different side to them. Afterwards it’ll be a different story.”
England are determined to avoid a repeat of one of the low points of their rugby history by preventing another Fijian ambush.
“It hurt. It the first time they’d ever beaten us at Twickenham. Mental. And I was a part of it. It feels like I’ve been a part of a lot of heartache,” Genge said.
“It was a tough day, we spoke about it earlier, the conversation we had four days after it and how uncomfortable it was. You don’t want to replicate those feelings.
“Looking forward, it was a long time ago and it probably made us better because we went out and put together one of our best performances at the World Cup against Argentina with 14 men so every cloud.”
Genge: England mustn't be fooled by Fijian smiles
15:58 , Alex DakersEllis Genge has warned England not to be deceived by Fiji’s smiles when the nations clash at Allianz Stadium on Saturday.
The Pacific Islanders are the lowest-ranked opponents England face this autumn, but they stormed Twickenham 30-22 two years ago before taking Steve Borthwick’s men to the wire in their World Cup quarter-final two months later.
Genge, who today captains England for the third time, used the example of his Bristol team-mate Viliame Mata to highlight how the Fijians are transformed from joyful to ferocious when they step on to the pitch.
“I said to our forwards when we finished our mauling session on Thursday, typically at the club Fijians are the ones who are always laughing, joking,” the Bears prop said.
“Every Fijian I have ever played… they’re brilliant, brilliant people. They’re very laid back and very casual about things.
“But don’t be fooled. Bill Mata is a nasty piece of work when he’s on the pitch. I play with him, I love watching him melt people for Bristol and I am sure he’s going to try to do the same to me this weekend.
“I just made it clear to the boys that, although these people grow up on beaches throwing a rugby ball about and they’re lovely people, they are very nasty to play against.
“Obviously I did not want any of the boys to be shocked by that and the physical battle of attrition that is going to come.
“There’s not a rich history of England v Fiji matches, but the bottom line is they beat us last time we played at Twickenham, so there’s a bit there.”
England vs Fiji match odds
15:50 , Alex DakersThe hosts are, predictably, heavy favourites with the bookmakers.
With how the last two showdowns between these two nations have gone, though, today’s event may end up being closer than many might expect.
England to win: 1/25
Fiji to win: 9/1
Draw: 50/1
Odds via Betfair (subject to change).
Head to head (h2h) history and results
15:45 , Alex DakersFiji’s 30-22 victory here at Twickenham in 2023 was their only win in nine matches against England, although they pushed them close in the World Cup quarter-finals later that year.
England wins: 8
Fiji wins: 1
Draws: 0
Standard Sport prediction: Home win
15:40 , Alex DakersThey made hard work of the Flying Fijians last time out, and there could be some time needed to gel as Borthwick continues to tinker.
Still, you would expect the home side to have it mostly their own way here.
England to win by 30 points.
Fiji XV: Plenty of Gallagher Prem experience
15:34 , Alex DakersFiji have named a side packed with Gallagher Prem experience for Saturday’s clash with England at Allianz Stadium.
Saracens prop Eroni Mawi, Northampton second row Temo Mayanavanua and Bristol duo Viliame Mata and Kalaveti Ravouvou are selected in the starting XV.
Caleb Muntz, who directed Fiji’s upset win at Twickenham in 2023, is present at fly-half while bulldozing Racing 92 centre Josua Tuisova brings heft to the midfield.
Confirmed Fiji XV: Eroni Mawi, Tevita Ikanivere, Mesake Doge, Isoa Nasilasila, Temo Mayanavanua, Kitione Salawa, Elia Canakaivata, Vilame Mata, Simione Kuruvoli, Caleb Muntz, Jiuta Wainiqolo, Josua Tuisova, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Selestino Ravutaumada, Salesi Rayasi
Replacements: Zuriel Togiatama, Haereti Hetet, Samuela Tawake, Mesake Vocevoce, Motikai Murray, Sam Wye, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Sireli Maqala
England XV: Itoje on bench, Ford out, Smiths and Lawrence back in
15:29 , Alex DakersBorthwick has rung the changes with his team selection.
Fin Smith has got the nod to play at stand-off, while Marcus Smith, a natural fly-half, comes in at full-back to replace Freddie Steward.
Maro Itoje is amongst the replacements, while Chandler Cunningham-South makes his first Test start at No8 in the absence of Tom Willis, who is ineligible due to his decision to play his club rugby in France.
Tommy Freeman and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso complete the back three, with Tom Roebuck struggling with an ankle injury.
That means that Ollie Lawrence returns to the side following his Six Nations Achilles tear in midfield, partnered by Fraser Dingwall.
Alex Coles replaces Itoje at lock, linking up with Ollie Chessum in the second row, while Ellis Genge captains the side from the front, joined by Joe Heyes and Cowan-Dickie.
George Ford has missed out completely on the matchday squad.
Confirmed England XV: M Smith; Freeman, Lawrence, Dingwall, Feyi-Waboso; F Smith, Mitchell; Genge, Cowan-Dickie, Heyes, Coles, Chessum, Pepper, Earl, Cunningham-South
Replacements: George, Baxter, Opoku-Fordjour, Itoje, T Curry, Pollock, Spencer, Arundell
Where to watch England vs Fiji
15:23 , Alex DakersTV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on TNT Sports 1, with coverage starting at 5.30pm GMT.
Live stream: TNT Sports subscribers can also catch the contest live online via the discovery+ app and websites
Live blog: You can follow all the action right here with us in Standard Sport’s live blog.
England vs Fiji kick-off time and venue
15:15 , Alex DakersEngland vs Fiji is scheduled for a 5.40pm GMT kick-off today, Saturday, November 8, 2025.
The match will take place at the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham - England’s national ground and the world’s largest purpose-built rugby stadium.
Follow England vs Fiji LIVE
15:10 , Alex DakersGood afternoon and welcome to Standard Sport’s live blog coverage of today’s 2025 Autumn Internationals match between England and Fiji.
It has been two years since these nations last faced off, during a Rugby World Cup quarter-final match in which England narrowly prevailed.
That day in Marseille, meanwhile, came two months after Fiji’s most recent trip to Twickenham, when the Pacific Islanders recorded a shock victory over the English for the first time in history.
Fiji head coach Mick Byrne is hopeful lightning can strike twice, and although Steve Borthwick’s side - featuring seven changes to the XV that began last weekend’s victory over Australia - remain the favourites, they won’t expect to have it all their own way.
Stick with us as we bring you everything you need to know about today’s match in the build-up to kick-off, including analysis from our correspondent Sam Tabuteau at the Allianz Stadium.
