🔗 Share this article The English Team Claims 9th Straight Win Against Physical Fiji Quilter Nations Series England (14) 38 Tries: Cowan-Dickie, Feyi-Waboso, Genge, George, Arundell, Itoje Cons: F Smith 5 Fiji (13) 18 Tries: Ikanivere 2, Muntz Pen: Muntz The English squad notched 4 second-half tries to overcome a tough Fiji side in their latest fall test match. This win continues Steve Borthwick's side's undefeated streak to nine matches and supports their triumph over the Wallabies last Saturday. The home side opened the scoring through Luke Cowan-Dickie before Fiji answered back with tries by Ikanivere and Caleb Muntz. Fly-half Muntz failed to convert either try but slotted a penalty goal to take the Fijians further clear before Immanuel Feyi-Waboso crossed. Ellis Genge and Ikanivere then exchanged tries to spark an thrilling second half. Replacements Jamie George and Henry Arundell, who demonstrated his blistering speed, touched down to take the hosts clear. These tries came either side of Fiji scrum-half Kuruvoli fumbling the ball when attempting to score. Skipper Maro Itoje, who also came off the bench, grabbed the last touchdown. Borthwick's side now face the All Blacks this coming weekend in their toughest test on paper this fall. The Fijians Begin Strongly to Pressure The English Before this encounter, the English team had claimed victory in eight of their nine matches with Fiji – most lately taking a close contest in the quarter-finals of the 2023 World Cup. That one defeat came just weeks before the tournament in Europe and was a significant shift under Borthwick. With the Pacific Islanders on a five-game streak – their joint longest streak since 1999 – the game was always expected to be tight. Following smooth attacking phases, number eight Chandler Cunningham-South gained valuable meters before Cowan-Dickie barged over for the first try from close range, with Ikanivere's try off the back of a maul adding a swift reply. Known as the Flying Fijians, that was evident in defense through monstrous first-half tackles in the center, with number fifteen Smith, deployed as a second playmaker, in especial targeted. But it was the vintage attacking Fijian flare that was the standout moment in the opening half as passes out of the tackle sliced through the English defense for the fly-half to score. Feyi-Waboso expertly collected a kick across the field by Fin Smith to take England into the lead after he had been illegally challenged in the air by Selestino Ravutaumada, who was given a yellow card following a bunker review. The English Impact Substitutes Shines Once More England pulled away from Australia last Saturday in the final quarter through the strength of their bench that contained multiple Lions tourists. A significantly altered starting lineup from the victory over the Wallabies did score the next try as the prop crossed following a powerful run by Lawrence, who was making his international comeback after tearing his Achilles tendon versus Italy in March. Nonetheless, after a clever set piece was completed by Ikanivere, Borthwick introduced five of his substitutes on the 54-minute mark – including Lions players Pollock and Tom Curry. With the match still in the balance, Fiji scrum-half the halfback lost control of the ball when stretching for the tryline to cancel out substitute the hooker's score. Flanker Ben Earl, who scored against the Wallabies, produced a stunning try-saving tackle to maintain a narrow lead between the teams. It topped off another outstanding overall performance by the flanker, who received consecutive player-of-the-match awards. Arundell's pace to race on to a grubber kick showcased exactly why England's bench is so impactful. It is full of stars and quality, which has aided in wins in the closing stages that were lost against Australia and the All Blacks last autumn. Given the Scottish side pushed the All Blacks hard, Borthwick's side will feel confident of sending a message next week. If successful, the bench will probably play another key factor. Team Sheets England: 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 Fiji: Rayasi; Ravutaumada, Ravouvou, Tuisova, Wainiqolo; Muntz, Kuruvoli; Mawi, Ikanivere, Doge, Nasilasila, Mayanavanua, Sowakula, Canakaivata, Mata Replacements: Togiatama, Hetet, Tawake, Vocevoce, Murray, Wye, Armstrong-Ravula, Maqala Sin-bin: Ravutaumada Refereeing Team Referee: Paul Williams (New Zealand) Assistant referee: Luc Ramos (France) and Katsuki Furuse (Japan) Television match official: Mike Adamson (Scotland)