New Zealand has made a shocking decision by omitting winger Mark Telea from their lineup for the upcoming quarter-final showdown against Ireland due to a breach of team protocol.
Telea, who has impressively scored three tries in his two World Cup appearances, was initially given some rest in preparation for the quarter-finals.
However, speculations in the southern hemisphere hinted at his potential removal, and this has now been officially confirmed by Ian Foster.
When announcing his matchday 23 without the 26-year-old winger, Foster expressed his sentiments, saying, "I still have great affection for him."
Foster refrained from divulging further details about the incident, though it is believed that Telea may have violated curfew rules.
Leicester Fainga'anuku, who achieved a remarkable hat-trick against Namibia, will take up the left-wing position, forming a dynamic back three alongside Will Jordan and Beauden Barrett.
England’s route to the Rugby World Cup final will be very tough
Let's venture into the realm of imagination and explore the potential trajectory that awaits Borthwick's formidable team.
Quarter-final: England v Fiji
After a historic defeat to the Pacific Islanders last month, England is poised to seek redemption in the quarter-finals. Steve Borthwick's squad aims to erase the memory of their lackluster performance, and with their recent form, they stand a strong chance of advancing to the semi-finals.
WHEN IS ENGLAND V FIJI?
The 2023 Rugby World Cup Quarter-Final between England and Fiji will be played at 4pm on Sunday, October 15th.
TV CHANNEL
In the United Kingdom the England v Fiji game will be broadcast on ITV1 with pre-game coverage beginning at 3pm.
Television viewers in Ireland can tune into RTÉ 2 from 3.30pm to catch all the action.
Caleb Muntz of Fiji kicks the ball out of play and celebrates with team mates the win over England during the Summer International match between England and Fiji at Twickenham Stadium on August 26, 2023 in London, England. ( Photo by Phil Mingo/PPAUK )
HEAD-TO-HEAD RESULTS LAST FIVE MATCHES
England and Fiji have been battling in Test rugby since 1999. Since then they’ve faced off five times.
Their first meeting was at the 1999 Rugby World Cup where England won 45-24.
England won the next three fixtures before losing their game 22-30 against Fiji during the Rugby World Cup warm-up.
2023: Fiji won 22-30
2016: England won 58-15
2015: England won 35-11
2012: England won 54-12
1999: England won 45-24
REFEREE & OFFICIATING TEAM?
Referee: Mathieu Raynal (France)
Assistant Referees: Nic Berry (Australia), Pierre Brousset (France)
TMO: Ben Whitehouse (Wales)
Semi-final: England v France (or South Africa)
If the French can secure victory against South Africa in the quarter-finals, they will face England in Paris in the next stage. Despite Dupont's injury, he will be available for the match. However, England might capitalise on a fatigued French team that expended every ounce of effort to eliminate the Springboks in the previous round.
Antoine Dupont of France during the Guinness Six Nations match between England and France at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on Saturday 11th March 2023 | Photo: James Fearn/PPAUK.
Final: England v Ireland (or New Zealand, Wales or Argentina)
To be the best you've got to beat the best. Steve Borthwick's men will have to beat the number one side in the world if they're to lift the Webb Ellis Cup for a second time.
Jonathan Sexton, Captain of Ireland looks dejected during the Guinness Six Nations Match between England and Ireland at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on February 23. - PHOTO: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
