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

[Ragey Erasmus]

Fiji can creat a try out of nothing, at anytime. How effictively England's rush defence countains Fiji's backs should be the key to the game.

Unless we don't give them possession. Englands tactics have been to kick and defend a lot but I think vs Fiji it is better to dominate possession than territory. If we deny Fiji the ball, I think we can suffocate them.

 

[Chistera]

Unless we don't give them possession. Englands tactics have been to kick and defend a lot but I think vs Fiji it is better to dominate possession than territory. If we deny Fiji the ball, I think we can suffocate them.

Seems like a sound tactic, and if England gets its forwards going for good Fiji's pack shouldn't be able to resist. Boring it out, slowing the game, should be the 'easy' solution.
Beating Fiji to their own game though, with high-risk, fast-paced, back combinations -as England has liked to play recently- would be a great victory.

 

[TobesHodges]

There's know way, they will be allowed to play boring rugby first match of the home RWC England will go out and play with flare it will be a real match for 50 mins, and I think the Fijians will start to wear a bit after that..

 

[The Jones Boy]

England by 30 points, no worries.
The Big Pommie steamroller will come to the fore and the set the tone for the RWC.

 

[TommiG88]

England by 30 points, no worries.
The Big Pommie steamroller will come to the fore and the set the tone for the RWC.

I hope you're right. I'm bloody nervous and there's still over 12 hours to the game.

It's going be a bloody close game for 60mins I think then we'll run in a few tries in the last 20 to win by 15 points.

 

[The Jones Boy]

The Poms will cruise this one no problems. The Fijian pack is nowhere near the same class as the Poms.

 

[Maverick1987]

Check your calendar mate this is 2015, I'm not saying they will beat England but i can't see the 30 to 40 points some are suggesting.

- - - Updated - - -

Their scrum 1/2 is better than yours as well.

I think you are right we won't win by 30 or 40 I'm thinking more like 15-20

There's no way Matawalu is a better player than Youngs though ....

Matawalu needs to prove it in a better league if you ask me . Granted Ben Youngs has very little consistency but when he's playing well he can easily set the tone for some of our best rugby . I think a large proportion of our chances in this group lay on his and his brothers shoulders . When they both play well we play well

 

[aucklander]

Fiji 24 - England 22
All the best to both teams. This will be an entertaining game to watch. Great way to start the RWC.
GO FIJI GO

 

[thechosenfamily]

I am predicting a 14 point margin to England, I think we will start nervous then the fitness and forward play will win through in the second half.

To be honest though what I would like to see more is a great game of rugby, there is still a little apathy in England ,especially the poofball supporters, and so I would love a good spectacle to bring more enthusiasm for the tournament and England for the tougher games ahead.

 

[ncurd]

Honestly I'm not saying this will happen but I could certainly see it happening is England blowing Fiji apart in the first 20 and then settling down.

Fiji are probably on a level with a mid-level AP side and Ford with backs like JJ & Watson have completely unlocked those sides in the opening gambits of a match on many occasions. Can I see them doing the same with players like Youngs, Brown & May included absolutely. Especially when most people are worried about Fiji's forwards and defence.

Not saying it will happen but it really wouldn't surprise me if it did.

 

[Tony Manx]

To be honest though what I would like to see more is a great game of rugby, there is still a little apathy in England ,especially the poofball supporters, and so I would love a good spectacle to bring more enthusiasm for the tournament and England for the tougher games ahead.

Stuff that! This is about winning and only other importance is by how many!!

Bore everyone to death for 60 minutes by keeping it up their jumper, mauling and scrummaging the Fijians to death, and spectators to utter boredom, but lead by 30 points. Then open it up and rip another 30 when they are on their knees!!!

Result!!

 

[Muzzy]

Of course I want Fiji to win, but I know England probably will. I am definitely hoping for the miracle win though. If I was a non partisan I'd say England by 25 - 30. I think Fiji are capable of beating England but I don't know if they will be there mentally, being that its the first game of the tournament against the hosts and they're playing in front of such a huge crowd. I think Fiji will give this one away mentally, knowing they can still target Australia and Wales. The difficulty is we have a terrible draw with not many days of rest between games.

 

[Cookies]

I expect England to win, but Fiji are paying $16 in some places around here. That's not indicative of their capability. I expect it to be a close first half, with England extending in the second to win by ~14.

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

I think you are right we won't win by 30 or 40 I'm thinking more like 15-20

There's no way Matawalu is a better player than Youngs though ....

Matawalu needs to prove it in a better league if you ask me . Granted Ben Youngs has very little consistency but when he's playing well he can easily set the tone for some of our best rugby . I think a large proportion of our chances in this group lay on his and his brothers shoulders . When they both play well we play well

He needs to prove himself as a consistent starter, he was second choice or an impact sub depending on how you look at it. Like a lot of islander half backs he makes too many costly mistakes. He's not as good as Youngs but if he can keep the mistakes out of his game he probably has a higher peak.

 

[TobesHodges]

Matawalu is a greedy scrum half, why he's my scrummy on the fantasy team

 

[YoungScud]

Bookies are apparently offering evens on Fiji witha 15 point start. I'd say that's a decent bet

 

[justanargie]

England by 30 points, no worries.
The Big Pommie steamroller will come to the fore and the set the tone for the RWC.

Agree, no worries for England but I expect a victory by 15/20 points.

 

[YoungScud]

Agree, no worries for England but I expect a victory by 15/20 points.

Are we forgetting the big Fiji Weejie?

 

[valley commando]

Bookies are apparently offering evens on Fiji witha 15 point start. I'd say that's a decent bet

10/11 witha 26 point start at Ladbrookes

 

[TobesHodges]

Buzzing for this now!

[BLINK]LETSS GOOO ENGLAND!![/BLINK]