England’s bench delivered the goods as they held off a spirited Fiji display at Twickenham to make it nine wins on the bounce.
Steve Borthwick spoke in the week about the importance of his side bringing tempo and energy, and England made an explosive start, kicking an early penalty into the Fiji 22 before Luke Cowan-Dickie powered over after five minutes.
It was patient play from the hosts, picking their moments to find the gaps in Fijian defence, but with Borthwick having rung the changes, England left themselves open at the back and Fiji - not afraid of an upset in this corner of west London - capitalised with two well-taken tries.
Fiji are the lowest-ranked team England will face this autumn, but stand-in captain Ellis Genge had warned this would be a battle of attrition.
The chaos that ensued showed it to be anything but. However, it was a challenge of a different nature for an England side wearing the disjointedness of seven changes.
Chandler Cunningham-South rose to the occasion on his first start for England at No8, putting his body on the line. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, too, picked himself up after a big hit from Selestino Ravutaumada.
The England wing has been in electric form, leading the Premiership for tries this season, and he dragged England back into the lead with a sumptuous step inside to tap down on the stroke of half-time.
It was, however, an untidy first half performance, with England winning just one of the 12 turnovers they contested.
Fiji were courageous and made life hard for England, who failed to control the game as they would have liked.
England fans, though, are well accustomed to Ben Earl’s tireless efforts with the ball in hand, and he helped power the home side forward with a Man of the Match display.
Ultimately, this was an England performance that had spirit and a touch of quality off the bench to underline their strength in depth.
Kevin Sinfeld had said the number of changes England made to their side could lead to frustration, but if there was any lingering disappointment, it did not show, with the troops coming together in the closing stages to record a six-try win.
Henry Arundell, making his first England appearance since the 2023 World Cup, showed his class with his searing pace, taking the game away from Fiji.
Meanwhile, Maro Itoje and Jamie George provided experience and a try-scoring touch. There’s a real density to England’s squad, which will stand them in good stead. A blend of power, pace, and pride that will take some stopping.
This may not have been the statement win England were hoping to make ahead of next weekend’s clash with New Zealand, but it showed a side to them which will certainly worry the All Blacks, who wobbled over the line against Scotland earlier in the day.
