[2015 RWC] Pool A: England vs. Fiji (18/09/2015)

[TRF_Olyy]

I don't buy into the whole "Fiji will batter us physically" spiel.
These players play guys as big/bigger as strong/stronger as fast/faster in the Prem/Euro rugby.

 

[Wendigo7]

I don't buy into the whole "Fiji will batter us physically" spiel.
These players play guys as big/bigger as strong/stronger as fast/faster in the Prem/Euro rugby.

Yes and Nadolo has played against the England lads before with Exeter so that won't sit.

Should be a 30/40 point win and we need to hit them hard because what they are this time is well organised.

 

[optimuswolf]

I don't buy into the whole "Fiji will batter us physically" spiel.
These players play guys as big/bigger as strong/stronger as fast/faster in the Prem/Euro rugby.

Agree. But probably not the concentration of players with pace and power?

Might be a stupid question - but are Fiji - Nadolo aside! - *that* physical anyway? Always thought samoa in particular were full of the real big units.

 

[Duck a l'Orange]

Might be a stupid question - but are Fiji - Nadolo aside! - *that* physical anyway? Always thought samoa in particular were full of the real big units.

Them and Tonga.
Tbh I don't think the physicality difference is worth the attention it gets. All Union players, pretty much, are big units now, apart from the occasional freak who's bigger.

Thinking back to the AI vs Samoa, it was only George Ford who got smashed a couple of times, which you'd expect anyway.

 

[Mcfadden]

I think England's discipline and powerful forwards (who are defensively pretty good) will be too overwhelming for Fiji. Obviously Fiji should try and win as many games as they can in this pool (extremely tough) but I think the one they should target the most is the Welsh game. Wouldn't be surprised to see either an upset there, or to run them very close. I think if the Wallabies consistently show up each week and don't take the smaller teams lightly then they won't be threatened. And England, for reasons given plus home advantage should over come the Fijian threat.

 

[TobesHodges]

Steucturly in attack and defence we will be to good, Fiji won't have the continuity they'll need to break England down.. There backs will be a threat, man for man, there very good.. But as a unit the England backs are a well oiled machine..

 

[Mcfadden]

One thing I'd be wary of, which other posters have already said is kicking the ball to the Fijian back three. I would avoid that and stick to the old saying, kick to land not to hand. Don't just kick for kickings sake because Nadolo is a freak of nature. Powerful and surprisingly athletic in certain movements.

 

[Ragey Erasmus]

One thing I'd be wary of, which other posters have already said is kicking the ball to the Fijian back three. I would avoid that and stick to the old saying, kick to land not to hand. Don't just kick for kickings sake because Nadolo is a freak of nature. Powerful and surprisingly athletic in certain movements.

Unfortunately walloping the ball mindlessly up the field is ingrained in how England play and I can't see that being dropped regardless of what a stupid tactic it is.

 

[optimuswolf]

Unfortunately walloping the ball mindlessly up the field is ingrained in how England play and I can't see that being dropped regardless of what a stupid tactic it is.

The majority of teams seem to kick deep and rely on defense right now. However with pack dominance I'd prefer to see us go through a few more phases and see if we can get in a position to use the backs, and throw in a few more kicks to touch from our 22 (and outside where there is space.)

I'd be surprised if we see as many kicks down the middle v fiji, but they will be back v wales and Aus...

 

[The Jones Boy]

England will steam roll Fiji for a cricket score.

 

[Atco]

Farrell covers 10 and the 'creative' centre: Burgess covers defensive centre and, at a pinch, a wing forward. Sade is just an injury away and I expect him to get game time at some point. Hope so.

 

[Maverick1987]

Farrell covers 10 and the 'creative' centre: Burgess covers defensive centre and, at a pinch, a wing forward. Sade is just an injury away and I expect him to get game time at some point. Hope so.

Farrell and creative isn't what we usually hear on here unless GN10 is talking about our Owen lol

 

[ncurd]

I'd be happier if Farrell was playing at 12 instead of Barritt. I'd prefer Slade over either of them but I've long accepted there's difference between what I would do and Lancaster.

 

[ZeFrenchy]

England will win it à la England, that is set pieces will win it.
This Fiji team is the best they've had in many years. I'd say their backline is better than the side that beat Wales in 2007. And Nadolo can kick goals. It's really their tight forwards (front row + tight lock) and halfbacks who are not up to scratch.
That said, I don't think England will beat the 26 point handicap the bookies are giving.

 

[TobesHodges]

Farrell isn't a 12 it's been tried in an England shirt and was pants.. Farrell is a boss in defence and a kicking machine, he goes through the motions in attack, definitely wouldn't want to see him at 12..

 

[Atco]

My point was that Farrell is primarily cover for Ford and Burgess for Barritt but as secondary uses, in the event of the unforeseen (which is what usually actually happens), Farrell can go into the centre and Burgess could play at wing forward. If that happens, we'll already be struggling.

 

[JJFlash]

My point was that Farrell is primarily cover for Ford and Burgess for Barritt but as secondary uses, in the event of the unforeseen (which is what usually actually happens), Farrell can go into the centre and Burgess could play at wing forward. If that happens, we'll already be struggling.

And I will have switched off the tv!

 

[LiRFCMatt]

I can not wait for this match. To watch England go out there, roared on by the home support and pile on 30 or so points will be a fantastic start to the campaign. Shouldn't batter them too much though... would love the Fijians to spring a surprise on the Aussies!

 

[aucklander]

Fiji for the win

After watching all of Fiji's games this year, their back line will have the upper hand over the Englands backs. Matawalu at 9 has been outstanding and will be the one to stop. I'm predicting Fiji to win by 2. FIJIS time together and preparation leading in to this RWC has been the key to them playing well as a team.

 

[Ragey Erasmus]

After watching all of Fiji's games this year, their back line will have the upper hand over the Englands backs. Matawalu at 9 has been outstanding and will be the one to stop. I'm predicting Fiji to win by 2. FIJIS time together and preparation leading in to this RWC has been the key to them playing well as a team.

You are forgetting that all the teams Fiji has beaten, England regularly beat with a high score. England have also never lost to Fiji. I think the lower qualities of Fiji's opposition is distorting how good people think they are. It's like Italy going into the Tier 2 competition in Europe, they would likely beat every team there but still lose the big games.