"Didn't go our way" - Fiji's captain Nayacalevu blasts referee in England defeat

This result was mainly due to England's captain, Owen Farrell, who contributed significantly with 20 points, featuring five successful penalty kicks.

During the game, Fiji's wing Vinaya Habosi received a yellow card in the first half for a head-on-head collision with Marcus Smith. However, Nayacalevu expressed more significant frustration with the officiating of the breakdowns, particularly highlighting the decisions made by France's Mathieu Raynal.

"I'm very emotional at the moment, a lot has been happening in the week, and I'm just proud of the boys," said Nayacalevu, whose Fiji side has had to deal with two family bereavements during the tournament.

"A few calls didn't go our way. We're just fighting, I just ask that we can have a fair decision when the team plays," he added.

"Already the ruck was formed and (England's Maro) Itoje just came in and grabbed the ball -- three times in the game."

When questioned about whether he believed this indicated an inherent unconscious favoritism in referees' minds towards larger teams such as England, Nayacalevu expressed a clear and unambiguous opinion.

"Absolutely! You guys watched the game, you guys can answer that," he told reporters.

"It kills the momentum of our game, of what we want to play, if you know what I mean."

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Below, we look at three possible changes head coach Steve Borthwick could make for the semi-final in Paris next weekend.

Telegraph 5/10: "Lord he was in the wars. Whether having Semi Radradra bouncing him in the tackle, Josua Tuisova ragdolling him, or going for an HIA, Smith showed huge heart. Jury out whether he will stay at full back for the semi-final."

Rugby Pass 6.5/10: "Picked for just his second start in the full-back position, he worked well with some early ball but got caught on a run from inside his own half with England 8-0 up and that turnover resulted in a missed Fijian shot at the posts. Soon took a smack to the head from the yellow-carded Vinaya Habosi on a carry in the lead-up to the Marchant try. Returned to resume playing a very capable part in the win despite the need for further on-pitch running repairs."

Planet Rugby 6/10: "As Steve Borthwick predicted, Fiji didn’t test his aerial skills, but Smith didn’t really cut loose. Conceded one penalty when trying to counter, but he did mop up well at times and that extra pair of eyes helped Owen Farrell."

Evening Standard 6/10: "Rode out one extremely risky break and dealt with a broken nose to add just enough poise to England’s back-field set-up."

Mail Online 5/10: "Battered and bruised in the contact area, with blood pouring down his face. Tackling in the backfield very different to front-line defending as he found out the hard way."

Replacement: Freddie Steward

Telegraph 6/10: "This is his Last Dance and he emptied the tank, making his presence known at the breakdown. Missed a couple of tackles but also pulled off a couple of ankle taps."

Rugby Pass 6/10: "Wasn’t noticed much in the opening half until his pressure resulted in the lineout that helped give England the territory and a subsequent penalty for their 21-10 interval lead. Another chase-down was also crucial to England’s opening second-half penalty unselfish work he must be commended for. Exited on 65 minutes."

Planet Rugby 6/10: "Does a job but not the pace of old to really be a threat. England need more out wide for them to challenge their opponents next weekend."

Evening Standard 6/10: "Dug out a tap-tackle on Waisea Nayacalevu just when the Fiji captain looked bound for the whitewash."

Mail Online 5/10: "Anonymous for large parts of the match as attack were caught behind the line. Made way before Fiji began to run riot in the wide channels."

Replacement: Henry Arundell

Planet Rugby 5/10: "Didn’t make any impact in the scrum, which will concern Borthwick looking ahead to next week. When Cole is not doing that, he offers very little else."

Express 6/10: "Must have thought his England days were done after the 2019 World Cup final but four years on he is still doing his team-first thing."

Mail Online 6/10: "No frills performance at the set piece. Not the complete player but the best technical scrummager in England's ranks."

Replacement: Kyle Sinckler

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