Saturday, November 19, England v Fiji, Twickenham, London, 2:30pm kick-off (Live on Sky Sports 2 from 2pm)
-
Semesa Rokoduguni is set to make his first England appearance since 2014 against Fiji
-
The Fijian-born soldier replaces Harlequins winger Marland Yarde at right wing
ENGLAND face Fiji at Twickenham on Saturday (3pm) – so here’s everything you need to know about the game.
England team news
Semesa Rokoduguni will win his second cap for England in Saturday’s Old Mutual Wealth Series game against Fiji.
The Bath wing earned his first cap against New Zealand in 2014. Teimana Harrison starts at flanker and is the only change to the England pack that helped seal a first victory over South Africa in 10 years with uncapped lock Charlie Ewels named among the replacements.
“We’ve picked a side we believe can beat Fiji,” said England head coach Eddie Jones.
Jonathan Joseph returns to the team at outside-centre with Elliot Daly switching to the wing, while Alex Goode starts at full-back for England.
Back row Nathan Hughes is named among the replacements along with Exeter Chiefs back Henry Slade and Worcester Warriors centre Ben Te’o.
Fiji team news
Fiji have announced their line-up that will take on England in a mouth-watering November international at Twickenham on Saturday.
On the back of a disappointing 40-7 loss to the Barbarians last Friday, the islanders will be desperate for a response against the English.
There are a handful of changes to Fiji’s side as Metuisela Talebula starts at full-back, with Benito Masilevu moving to the right wing in place of Waisea Nayacalevu. Josh Matavesi is at fly-half ahead of Ben Volavola.
In the pack, Jale Sasson misses out as Sunia Koto starts at hooker while Leone Nakarawa comes in at lock, with Dominiko Waqaniburotu moving into the back-row alongside Peceli Yato and Akapusi Qera.
England v Fiji head-to-head
Played 6, England 6, Fiji 0, draw 0
England v Fiji odds (Paddy Power)
Head-to-head: England 1/200, Fiji 45/1, draw 100/1First tryscorer:
Handicap Betting: England (-40) 10/11, Draw (-20) 20-1, Fiji (+40) 10/11
England v Fiji Key Battle
England v Fiji form guide ….
England: WWWWW
Fiji: WWWLL
England v Fiji prediction
Fiji seem to be lacking in confidence and ideas at the moment following their 40-7 humbling by Barbarians last Friday night. Therefore we’ll go for a convincing win for Eddie Jones’ men, who were comfortable 37-21 winners last weekend against the Springboks.
RUCK PREDICTS: England by 30
England v Fiji referee
Marius Mitrea (Italy)
England v Fiji teams
England: 15. Alex Goode (Saracens, 20 caps), 14. Semesa Rokoduguni (Bath Rugby, 1 cap), 13. Jonathan Joseph (Bath Rugby, 26 caps), 12. Owen Farrell (vice captain, Saracens, 44 caps), 11. Elliot Daly (Wasps, 6 caps), 10. George Ford (Bath Rugby, 27 caps), 9. Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers, 62 caps), 1. Mako Vunipola (Saracens, 36 caps), 2. Dylan Hartley (captain, Northampton Saints, 76 caps), 3. Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers, 66 caps), 4. Joe Launchbury (Wasps, 36 caps), 5. Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints, 50 caps), 6. Chris Robshaw (Harlequins, 52 caps), 7. Teimana Harrison (Northampton Saints, 2 caps), 8. Billy Vunipola (vice captain, Saracens, 30 caps).
Replacements: 16. Jamie George (Saracens, 9 caps), 17. Joe Marler (Harlequins, 43 caps), 18. Kyle Sinckler (Harlequins, 1 cap), 19. Charlie Ewels (Bath Rugby, uncapped), 20. Nathan Hughes (Wasps, 1 cap), 21. Danny Care (Harlequins, 63 caps), 22. Ben Te’o (Worcester Warriors, 1 cap), 23. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 2 caps).
Fiji: 15 Metuisela Talebula, 14 Benito Masilevu, 13 Asaeli Tikoirotuma, 12 Albert Vulivuli, 11 Nemani Nadolo, 10 Josh Matavesi, 9 Seru Vularika, 8 Akapusi Qera, 7 Peceli Yato, 6 Dominiko Waqaniburotu, 5 Leone Nakarawa, 4 Api Ratuniyawara, 3 Manasa Saulo, 2 Sunia Koto, 1 Campese Ma’afu
Replacements: 16 Tuapati Talemaitoga, 17 Peni Ravai, 18 Leeroy Atalifo, 19 Nemia Soqeta, 20 Naulia Dawai, 21 Eremasi Radrodro, 22 Nikola Matawalu, 23 Kini Murimurivalu
