On face value, England’s quarter-final match against Fiji might seem a straightforward win for the 2003 Rugby World Cup winners.
However, after England scraped to a one-point win over Samoa some are wondering whether the Flying Fijians might pull off the upset of all upsets at this year’s tournament.
England are, thus far, unbeaten. They beat Argentina, Japan, and Chile with relative ease but were nearly beaten by Samoa in their final pool match – perhaps resting on their laurels.
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The Red Rose have vowed to put the throttle down come Monday.
“Last weekend wasn’t good enough, it was poor but we have had a really good open and honest review,” said England hooker Jamie George.
“We were very clear that some of the stuff wasn’t good enough, our energy levels were poor and that is inexcusable to be completely honest.
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“Would we rather it happen then than now? Yes. Are we going to learn from it? Absolutely. You’ll see a very different England team on Sunday.”
Fiji shouldn’t be underestimated. Only a few months ago, England lost to the small island nation, downed 30-22 at Twickenham.
Where might Fiji have the advantage?
“I think Fiji’s set piece as a whole has got a lot better,” said George.
“I think the way Portugal targeted their line-out in particular was something that was very interesting and especially how they go about it.
“We have got some complete line-out picks in our team. George Kruis coming in, a complete nous.
“A lot of their (Kruis and Steve Borthwick) conversations together are not necessarily fascinating but they are going to become very (important).
“We trust in that plan and we are going to try and put Fiji under pressure in that area.”
Under both Steve Borthwick and Eddie Jones before him, England have been crulled by turbulent lead-ups to the Rugby World Cup.
Earlier this year, they lost to Scotland, France, Ireland, Wales and Fiji.
The unbeaten run at this year’s Rugby World Cup has the team riding a wave of momentum into their quarter-final.
George said the team will do its best not to be overwhelmed by the occasion.
“I think you can’t shy away from the fact that this is probably one of the biggest games we’re ever going to play in,” George explained.
“I don’t think we should shy away from any emotion that comes with that. I think earlier on in my career in particular I tried to feel a certain way or tried to be perceived to be feeling a certain way or trying to shy away from emotions. I don’t see why you need to do that.
“We’ve got space to speak to people, we have a really open group. If people are nervous that’s fine, if people are excited that’s fine but the most important thing for us is focusing on each week.
“It’s something we have done well since we have been in France, particularly there are a lot of clear things we have got to go after in the week. Try and know our opposition as much as we possibly can and be really clear about what we are going to go through in that week. Focusing on that rather than the enormity of the occasion.”
NEW PODCAST! Michael Atkinson, Sam Worthington and Tom Decent make sense of Portugal’s historic upset of Fiji and Australia’s Rugby World Cup exit then look at some bumper quarter-finals
England and Fiji go head-to-head on Monday at 2am AEDT.
England: Marcus Smith, Jonny May, Joe Marchant, Manu Tuilagi, Elliot Daly, Owen Farrell (c), Alex Mitchell, Ben Earl, Tom Curry, Courtney Lawes, Ollie Chessum, Maro Itoje, Dan Cole, Jamie George, Ellis Genge
Reserves: Theo Dan, Joe Marler, Kyle Sinckler, George Martin, Billy Vunipola, Danny Care, George Ford, Ollie Lawrence
Fiji: Ilaisa Droasese, Vinaya Habosi, Waisea Nayacalevu (c), Josua Tuisova, Semi Radradra, Vilimoni Botitu, Frank Lomani, Viliame Mata, Levani Botia, Lekima Tagitagivalu, Albert Tuisue, Isoa Nasilasila, Luke Tagi, Tevita Ikanivere, Eroni Mawi
Reserves: Sam Matavesi, Peni Ravai, Mesake Doge, Meli Derenalagi, Vilive Miramira, Simione Kuruvoli, Iosefo Masi, Sireli Maqala
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