England vs Fiji: Stopping Fiji’s ‘Demolition Man’ and the keys to Rugby World Cup quarter-final
The IndependentSign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Fighting Botia’s breakdown threat England’s breakdown ball at this World Cup has been slow, with only Wales recording a worse average ruck speed during the pool stages. The former prison officer was immense during Saracens’ Champions Cup defeat to La Rochelle earlier this year and was similarly irrepressible during Fiji’s win over Australia – he has contested 29 defensive rucks at the World Cup so far, the fourth highest individual tally. Don’t be surprised to see England kick for touch with regularity to both deny Fiji’s strike-runners counter-attacking opportunities and put pressure on, statistically, the fifth least successful lineout in the tournament. “If you look at how they’ve developed their game around the set piece, they’ve managed to reduce the amount of penalties they give away,” explained England scrum coach Tom Harrison on Wednesday.
History of this topic
England Dominates Samoa in Rugby League Series Sweep
Associated Press
England to face World Cup conquerors Samoa in two-Test series this autumn
The Independent
England suffer heartbreak after South Africa rally to reach Rugby World Cup final
The Telegraph
Ollie Chessum warns Fiji they did not face the true England at Twickenham
The Independent
England’s lucky escape can’t hide identity crisis threatening to derail World Cup
The Independent
Fiji shock Australia in biggest upset of 2023 Rugby World Cup
The TelegraphFiji beats England for first time ever at damp Twickenham
Associated Press
Holders Australia overcome early scare to thrash Fiji in World Cup opener
The IndependentAustralia begins men's Rugby League World Cup title defence with a 42-8 win over Fiji
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