| England (8) 22 |
| Tries: May, Smith, Marchant Cons: Ford 2 Pen: Ford |
| Fiji (3) 30 |
| Tries: Nayacalevu, Habosi, Kuruvoli Cons: Muntz 3 Pens: Muntz 3 |
England slumped to a fifth defeat in six matches as Fiji beat them for the first time as each side ended their World Cup preparations at Twickenham.
The Pacific Islanders scored three second-half tries in changeable climate situations as they overturned a half-time deficit.
England salvaged hope late on when Joe Marchant’s try to George Ford’s conversion introduced them inside some extent.
But Selestino Ravutaumada arrange Simione Kuruvoli to seal victory.
The day started with a way of optimism for England as Courtney Lawes led out the hosts to mark his a hundredth cap.
By the time the full-time whistle sounded, the gloom round English rugby had deepened even additional with their first defeat by a facet from exterior the Six Nations and the Rugby Championship, two weeks earlier than the beginning of their World Cup marketing campaign towards Argentina.
England present promise however fall away
For the opening 20 minutes, England performed on the entrance foot and have been rewarded when Jonny May, who gave the impression to be on a last audition for a spot within the World Cup squad after Anthony Watson’s damage, handed off Ravutaumada to attain within the nook.
But because the rain started to fall, England’s dominance started to wane, in situations which in idea ought to have favoured the hosts and hampered the guests’ free-flowing off-load recreation.
Waisea Nayacalevu had a attempt chalked off within the first half for a ahead cross within the build-up, however three minutes after the break he went over legally after Ravutaumada did to May what May had executed to him within the opening exchanges.
Vinaya Habosi scored Fiji’s second attempt as he nonchalantly picked up the ball from the bottom of a ruck and raced clear to ship the small pocket of travelling followers into delirium.
Marcus Smith’s introduction at full-back off the bench sought to supply England a spark in assault, and for the second time in as many video games at Twickenham the hosts rallied after going behind, as they did within the slim win over Wales a fortnight in the past.
Ford chipped over the onrushing Fijian defence for Smith to collect the free ball and rating beneath the posts, however Muntz’s boot stored England at arm’s size.
Marchant’s end late on handed Steve Borthwick’s facet hope however the elusive Ravutaumada skipped again inside and freed his arms to dump for Kuruvoli to dive over and extinguish any hopes of an England comeback.
Line-ups
England: Steward; Malins, Lawrence, Tuilagi, May; Ford, Mitchell; Genge, Dan, Cole, Itoje, Chessum, Lawes (c), Willis, Earl.
Replacements: Walker, Marler, Stuart, Ribbans, Ludlam, Care, Smith, Marchant.
Fiji: Droasese; Ravutaumada, Nayacalevu (c), Radradra, Habosi; Muntz, Lomani; Mawi, Matavesi, Tagi, Nasilasila, Cirikidaveta, Tuisue, Tagitagivalu, Mata.
Replacements: Togiatama, Koroiduadua, Tawake, Mayanavanua, Miramira, Kuruvoli, Tela, Ravouvou.
Referee: Jaco Peyper (South Africa).
