We value your privacy

We and our partners store and/or access information on a device, such as cookies and process personal data, such as unique identifiers and standard information sent by a device for personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, and audience insights, as well as to develop and improve products.

With your permission we and our partners may use precise geolocation. You may click to consent to our and our partners’ processing as described above. Please note that some processing of your personal data may not require your consent, but you have a right to object to such processing.

More Options

Sun 20 Nov 2016 | 05:17
England score nine tries to comfortably beat Fiji at Twickenham

4
Comments

England scored nine tries to run Fiji off the park and win 58-15 at a packed Twickenham Stadium on Saturday. Fijian born England winger Semesa Rokoduguni started for England for the first time since 2014, and scored a brace, as did Jonathan Joseph and Joe Launchbury.

The tries were scored by Joseph, Elliot Daly, Teimana Harrison, Joe Launchbury and Alex Goode. Fiji scored through stars Nemani Nadolo, Leone Nakarawa and Metuisela Talebula.

"It was good fish and chips," coach Eddie Jones told BBC Sport.

"It doesn't mean fish and chips is basic. I thought we played some sparkling rugby, really good stuff. The ball movement, crispness of passing was fantastic. We are a young team, in terms of only being together 11 games. We are not going to get everything absolutely right.

"Rokoduguni has definitely got a smile on his face. I'm really pleased for him because he worked hard to get this chance. He got a lot of reward for the hard work he's done."

Posted By: Grant Constable

4 Comments

  • danknapp
    10:25 PM 21/11/2016

    Lots to agree with in yours also.

    Roko looked good and went hunting for work. Nice with the ball in hand. He benefited from some quality ball (when was the last side we said that about an English midfield?). Te'o looked reasonably comfortable when he came on, but I think he has a way to go before he's there. He's got to be able to smash holes on a crash ball, but also has to have the guile to draw defenders and then put the ball on quickly to someone else.

    Daly has impressed me so far this Autumn. He's got a good mindset, more than anything, and that counts for a lot. He wants to run at players and tries to turn them inside out.

  • jonnyenglish
    1:25 PM 21/11/2016

    Well played with a few key players rested or missing, but I can only echo everyone else, some really poor, leaky defence out there. Fiji are obviously a hard team to take down with them all being built like trucks but England should have been super-aware of this, and especially keeping an eye on where Nadolo was at all times.

    I can only hope that facing a much more organised team like Argentina or Australia will only force England to push the intensity in defence higher without giving away silly penalties.

  • jimmy23
    12:55 PM 21/11/2016

    Agreed. The defence was not up to standard especially in the 10 minutes either side of half time. With all respect to Fiji, a more organised side like Australia or NZ would tear England apart if they defended like that. They need to defend like the All Blacks (minus the high tackles) did against Ireland. As you say, it was nice to see us add a bit of variety to our attack. Roko has got to start the next two tests and Ben Te'o looked fairly useful as well. I think it'll be a while till we see Harrison in an England shirt again, he just hasn't quite managed to bring his intensity up to an international level.

    I was quite worried about Argentina but they have been looking a bit off the ball this Autumn tour, I expected them to beat both Wales and Scotland comfortably but that hasn't happened. Australia seemed to have found their feet though and I think that'll be the true test for us this Autumn.

  • danknapp
    11:42 AM 21/11/2016

    Fiji are always a hard team to play, because they have a unique style. Some of the offloading was sublime. England obviously trotted out as comfortable winners, but will be concerned about the way they answered the questions Fiji asked of them. Defensively they seemed to lack the ferocity and intensity of the Australia tour, which was brutal, but this is how they need to play every time if they want to be world beaters.

    Ireland are obviously in great form at the moment, probably the best NH team at the moment on their day, and the 6N should be an absolutely enthralling contest. England have better depth than any other NH team, now they need those players to keep improving individually.

    What I was delighted with was the way we played a much more exciting attacking game. This has been lacking for far too long. Next week's game against Argentina should be a great contest, I rate Argentina highly. Their attacking game is fantastic.

Related Articles