England v Fiji: Hosts hunt Rugby World Cup winning formula
It’s time for England to test theories on turf.
With two years to go until the Rugby World Cup, they will face Fiji on Saturday, their weakest opponents of the autumn, at least according to the rankings, along with a group of youngsters who have bled over the summer and have recovered from the pressure of the Six Nations campaign.
The nights may have gone on and on, but it’s a weekend for thoughts of blue skies and distant horizons.
Some of the seven changes to the starting XV were implemented. Full-back Freddie Steward will not be able to play due to his hand injury. There was a change in Wing Tom Roebuck’s ankle. Captain Maro Itoje, a fixture of the team for nearly a decade, is on the bench with a rare strike.
But head coach Steve Borthwick still may have shaken up the selection.
Having gained some breathing room with eight consecutive wins, his priority is to compete to take the team to new heights rather than continuity.
Focus is especially sharp at half-time.
Northampton’s wise young chairman Fin Smith gets the nod.
George Ford, who led the team so confidently in the summer, was left out. Marcus Smith, who was the spark at the heart of England’s attack this time last year, is in the unpopular full-back slot.
Three out of 10 doesn’t work.
While Kevin Sinfield talked about the edge and appetite that cutting and switching brought to camp, the assistant coach acknowledged there was frustration and discontent that needed to be managed.
