England vs Fiji: Key Changes, Broadcast Guide, and Squad Depth Ahead of Autumn Nations Clash

England vs Fiji: Squad Shuffles and Strategic Experiments at Twickenham

Saturday, November 8th, brings a fresh test for England’s rugby ambitions as Steve Borthwick’s side host Fiji at the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham. It’s a pivotal fixture in the Autumn Nations Series, where northern hemisphere powers measure themselves against southern hemisphere giants. England, riding an eight-match winning streak after dispatching Australia 25-7 last week, are not just seeking another victory—they’re actively probing their depth, adaptability, and potential for the years ahead.

England’s Selection Shake-Up: Building Versatility and Depth

England’s starting XV bears little resemblance to last week’s lineup. Injuries and strategic choices mean only eight starters remain from the win over Australia, with six retaining their jerseys. Marcus Smith moves to full-back, filling in for the injured Freddie Steward, while Fin Smith gets the nod at fly-half, leaving George Ford out of the squad entirely. Tommy Freeman shifts to the wing, and Chandler Cunningham-South steps up for his first start at No. 8, following Tom Willis’ move to Bordeaux next season.

Head coach Steve Borthwick’s approach is clear: push the squad to its limits, test combinations, and foster versatility. “I want all the players to feel supported on the journey,” Borthwick told BBC Sport, acknowledging the challenges of shifting roles and managing expectations. The fly-half conundrum is especially pointed—three talented Smiths vying for spots in the backline, each capable of steering the attack.

In the forwards, Ellis Genge captains the team alongside Maro Itoje, who finds himself on the bench for the first time since 2017. Ben Earl shifts to openside flanker, making room for Cunningham-South, while Ollie Lawrence returns from injury to partner Fraser Dingwall in midfield. The bench features a six-two split between forwards and backs, with Henry Pollock retaining his impact role and Henry Arundell ready to cover the backline.

Fiji’s Threat: Power, Pace, and Premiership Experience

England’s opponents are far from passive. Fiji’s squad is packed with Gallagher Premiership experience, blending physicality and flair. Saracens prop Eroni Mawi anchors the front row, joined by Northampton’s Temo Mayanavanua and Bristol’s Viliame Mata and Kalaveti Ravouvou. Fly-half Caleb Muntz, who orchestrated Fiji’s historic win at Twickenham in 2023, returns to direct the attack, while Racing 92’s Josua Tuisova adds muscle in the centres.

Fiji’s backline shimmers with threat: Jiuta Wainiqolo, the Top 14’s leading try-scorer, combines with Selestino Ravutaumada and Salesi Rayasi to form a trio capable of turning any loose ball into points. Their physicality is legendary, as England’s Ben Earl recalled from a previous clash: “The noise that made I was like: ‘Oh my God.’ It is very rare you think that on the pitch.”

What’s at Stake: Experimentation, Momentum, and World Cup Horizons

With the Rugby World Cup two years away, England’s strategy is as much about long-term planning as immediate results. Borthwick’s emphasis on a versatile, athletic squad echoes South Africa’s power-play approach that proved decisive in France. “From a physical point of view, the team is improving,” Borthwick told Rugby World. “We have more pace, our acceleration is improving. I want to be in a position where every player can play 80 minutes.”

England’s eight consecutive wins have given them breathing room to experiment. There’s an appetite for competition within the squad, but also frustration for those out of position or left out. Assistant coach Kevin Sinfield admitted the need to manage disgruntlement, but argued that depth and flexibility are worth the challenges. The system, rather than any individual, is the star—a philosophy that seeks to prepare England for any scenario come Australia 2027.

How to Watch: Broadcast and Streaming Options Worldwide

The match kicks off at 5.40pm GMT, with live coverage in the UK and Ireland on TNT Sports and Discovery+. Coverage begins ten minutes before kick-off, following Scotland v New Zealand. BBC Radio 5 Live holds the radio rights, providing live commentary throughout November.

Fans in Australia can catch the game live and ad-free on Stan Sport, while New Zealand viewers have access via Sky Sport NZ. In the United States, NBC’s Peacock platform is streaming the Autumn Internationals, including England vs Fiji. South African fans can tune in via SuperSport. Fijian viewers will have delayed coverage on FBC Sports on Monday.

If you’re abroad and facing geo-blocks, a VPN is recommended for accessing your usual streaming services—NordVPN currently offers a substantial Black Friday discount, highlighted by Rugby World.

Team Line-Ups: Who’s Starting?

England XV: Ellis Genge (co-capt.), Luke Cowan-Dickie, Joe Heyes; Alex Coles, Ollie Chessum; Guy Pepper, Ben Earl, Chandler Cunningham-South; Alex Mitchell, Fin Smith; Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, Fraser Dingwall, Ollie Lawrence, Tommy Freeman; Marcus Smith.
Replacements: Jamie George, Fin Baxter, Asher Opoku-Fordjour, Maro Itoje (co-capt.), Tom Curry, Henry Pollock; Ben Spencer, Henry Arundell.

Fiji XV: Eroni Mawi, Tevita Ikanivere, Mesake Doge; Isoa Nasilasila, Temo Mayanavanua; Kitione Salawa, Elia Canakaivata, Viliame Mata; Simione Kuruvoli, Caleb Muntz; Jiuta Wainiqolo, Josua Tuisova, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Selestino Ravutaumada; Salesi Rayasi.
Replacements: Zuriel Togiatama, Haereti Hetet, Samuela Tawake, Mesake Vocevoce, Motikai Murray; Sam Wye, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Sireli Maqala.

Recent History: Lessons from Past Encounters

England cannot afford complacency. Fiji shocked Twickenham with a 30-22 win in August 2023, shattering any sense of invincibility. England’s autumn last year was rocky, with only one win from four matches. Fiji, meanwhile, have grown in confidence, blending domestic Drua talent with key additions from European leagues.

The sense is clear: Saturday’s clash is more than a routine fixture. It’s a laboratory for England’s World Cup blueprint, and a proving ground for Fiji’s ambitions. For fans, it’s a chance to witness the next chapter in a rivalry that’s rapidly shedding its predictability.

England’s experimental approach against Fiji is a calculated risk, reflecting a broader shift towards squad flexibility and tactical depth. With recent history warning against underestimating their opponents, England’s willingness to innovate could be the difference between short-term success and long-term progress. Fiji, for their part, bring a mix of power and unpredictability that will test every aspect of England’s planning. Saturday’s match is not just a contest, but a crucible for both teams’ rugby futures.