England’s bid to reassert dominance at Twickenham comes down to one unpredictable opponent: Fiji. On Saturday, November 23, 2024, the England national rugby union team will host the Pacific islanders at the iconic London stadium — a venue where, just 17 months ago, Fiji pulled off the unthinkable. Their 30-22 win on July 1, 2023, wasn’t just a victory — it was the first time Fiji had ever beaten England at Twickenham. Now, with the autumn international series hanging in the balance, England must prove they’ve learned from that shock — and from their own 30-24 quarterfinal win over Fiji at the 2023 Rugby World Cup on October 15, 2023.
Revenge Is on the Table, But So Is Respect
The last time these two met at Twickenham, the atmosphere was electric — not because of England’s precision, but because of Fiji’s chaos. Viliame Mata, Peni Ravai, and Vilimoni Botitu tore through England’s defense with offloads that looked like magic. Simione Kuruvoli’s kicks sealed it. Owen Farrell’s penalties kept England alive, but the result haunted them. Fast forward to the World Cup, and England exacted revenge — but it was ugly. A grinding, penalty-laden win. No fireworks. Just grit. This time, the script flips. England’s 25-7 win over Australia last week drew groans from fans. "A lack of exciting rugby," said ESPN. Twickenham felt flat. Now, they face Fiji — the team that doesn’t just play rugby, but performs it. "The biggest unknown quantity," as Eggchasers Rugby put it. "The biggest banana skin in this November series."England’s Lineup: Rotation, Risk, and Responsibility
Head coach Steve Borthwick has made bold calls. George Ford, the veteran playmaker, is out. In comes Fin Smith, the 21-year-old fly-half who’s been groomed for this moment. His vision and footwork could unlock Fiji’s high-risk defense — or get him swarmed. Ellis Genge, promoted from the bench against Australia, now captains the side. His leadership, combined with the raw power of Joe Heyes and Alex Coles in the front row and lock, gives England a physical edge. The backline is a blend of youth and experience. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso on the wing is electric. Tommy Freeman and Ollie Lawrence offer balance. But the real test will be how England’s midfield handles Fiji’s counter-attacks. The Fijians don’t wait for mistakes — they create them.Fiji: The Wild Card That Keeps Global Rankings Honest
Fiji’s 2023 World Cup run wasn’t a fluke. They beat Wales, nearly toppled Argentina, and pushed England to the brink. Their 2023 quarterfinal exit wasn’t a failure — it was a statement. They’re in World Rugby’s Band 2 for the next cycle, alongside Australia and Scotland. That means they’re not just a feel-good story — they’re a legitimate threat to the top tier. Their style? Pure unpredictability. Offloads in traffic. Sidesteps that defy physics. A tempo that breaks rhythm. "They’re the most entertaining team in the world," noted The Ruck. "And the most dangerous." England’s game plan won’t be about outmuscling them. It’ll be about controlling space. Pressuring the ball carrier. Forcing errors. But even that has limits. Fiji thrives when you try to contain them. Their best wins come when you think you’ve got them pinned — then they slip through like smoke.
Why This Match Matters Beyond the Scoreline
England’s 11-game winning streak — capped by a tense 27-23 win over Argentina on November 17 — has them ranked third in the world. Behind South Africa and New Zealand. But rankings mean little if you can’t beat the teams that challenge you. Fiji’s 2023 win at Twickenham exposed a vulnerability. Their World Cup performance exposed a mindset. England can’t afford to treat this as a formality. This is preparation for the next World Cup. It’s about testing rotation. About seeing if Fin Smith can handle pressure. About whether Borthwick’s squad can adapt when the game doesn’t go to plan. And it’s about psychology. Can England play with joy again — not just discipline? Fiji, meanwhile, are playing for pride. For legacy. For the kids back home who watch them on YouTube and believe they can beat anyone. They don’t care about rankings. They care about making history — again.What’s Next? The Ripple Effects
If England wins comfortably, they’ll be hailed as World Cup contenders. But if Fiji pulls off another upset — even a narrow one — it’ll shake the entire rugby hierarchy. Suddenly, the "banana skin" label becomes a warning. And England’s path to the 2027 final looks far more treacherous. For now, Twickenham holds its breath. The crowd will be loud. The stakes are high. And for the first time in a long while, England might not be the favorites.Frequently Asked Questions
Why is this match so critical for England’s World Cup preparation?
England’s 2023 World Cup campaign showed they can grind out wins, but struggled against high-tempo, offload-heavy teams like Fiji. This match tests whether their new backline — especially Fin Smith — can control space and create attacking momentum under pressure. A poor performance could expose flaws ahead of tougher tests against New Zealand and South Africa.
How did Fiji’s 2023 win at Twickenham change perceptions of Pacific rugby?
Fiji’s 30-22 victory shattered the myth that Tier 1 nations always dominate at home. It proved that with structure, discipline, and explosive talent, Pacific teams can not only compete but win on the biggest stages. That result forced England and others to rethink defensive strategies and increased global investment in Pacific rugby pathways.
What’s different about England’s team this time compared to the World Cup?
England has rotated heavily: Ellis Genge now captains the side, Alex Coles starts at lock, and Fin Smith replaces George Ford at fly-half. The backline is younger, faster, and more experimental. Borthwick is testing whether this group can sustain attacking play over 80 minutes — something they struggled with against Australia.
Can Fiji realistically win again at Twickenham?
Yes — and history suggests they will. Fiji have won 3 of their last 5 matches against Tier 1 nations since 2022, including the 2023 World Cup quarterfinal. Their ability to turn turnovers into tries makes them dangerous anywhere. England’s recent lack of fluency means they’re vulnerable — especially if Fiji’s forwards dominate the breakdown.
How do the World Rugby rankings influence this match’s importance?
England sits third, but rankings don’t reflect recent performances against elite teams. Fiji’s Band 2 status means they’re considered a top-10 side — and beating a top-3 team would boost their seeding for the next World Cup. For England, losing here would damage credibility ahead of the 2027 tournament cycle, where every win against Band 2 teams matters for qualification.
What should fans look for during the match?
Watch the breakdown. Fiji thrive when England’s ruck speed slows. Look for Immanuel Feyi-Waboso’s counter-attacks and Fin Smith’s decision-making under pressure. If England’s forwards control the set-piece and limit Fiji’s offloads, they’ll win. If Fiji’s backs get free space — especially on the left wing — expect fireworks. The game will be decided in the first 20 minutes.
