3 minute read

England enter the World Cup quarter-final showdown with Fiji in Marseille as strong favourites, despite falling to a 30-22 defeat in their most recent meeting back In August.

England endured one of the darkest days in their history when they lost to Fiji for the first time ever in what was also their first defeat to a current tier two nation. The Islanders fully deserved their historic moment, playing smart and entertaining rugby.

However, England have since found their feet since that terrible showing.

Head coach Steve Borthwick may just have stumbled onto a winning formula with a rejigged England backline that could do some damage against Fiji.

England have signalled their intent to fight fire with fire as Owen Farrell returns to 10 and Manu Tuilagi comes in at No 12. Joe Marchant at outside centre also gives England an extra finisher and a strong runner.

Fiji should have come into the last eight on a high after a win over the Wallabies but were given a wake-up call by Portugal.

The win they scored over England at Twickenham will serve as inspiration for Fiji but they shouldn't imagine that they will be faced with a team misfiring as badly as England did on that day.

England's experience in situations like this will be crucial and the fear for the neutrals and Fijian supporters is that things might go off the boil for the Islanders if they spend time in the sin bin.

Two cards being brandished to Fiji players could secure a tidy purse for a backer.

While you might fancy the first points to come off the boot of England fly-half Farrell, Fiji have also shown that they will kick their goals if need be, especially early on in a contest.

The win against Australia didn't come at the best time for Fiji as they had to slog through their matches with Georgia and Portugal with a big target on their backs.

England will also have Fiji well-lined up and could be good to take on a hefty handicap if a punter is looking to make the most of what looks to be a predictable clash.

If the Flying Fijians have made a believer in you and you'd back them to win, consider adding a margin of 1-10 or even 6-10. Fiji beat England by eight points the last time they met.

Suggested bets:

England to win handicap -11

Exact Fiji cards - two

First scoring method - England penalty