England’s rugby team extended their winning streak to nine matches with a 38-18 victory over Fiji, highlighted by Henry Arundell’s electrifying try and a dominant bench performance that sealed the win in the final quarter.
The match saw England and Fiji locked in a tight contest, with the score at 21-18 when coach Steve Borthwick introduced five forwards from the bench on the 54-minute mark. This strategic move injected fresh energy into the English side, who had struggled to break down a resilient Fijian defense. Fiji, ranked ninth globally, had scored three tries and threatened throughout, but England’s depth began to tell as the game progressed. The introduction of players like Tom Curry and Maro Itoje provided experience and physicality that shifted the momentum.
Henry Arundell, celebrating his 23rd birthday, made a memorable return to international rugby after a two-year absence due to eligibility rules. Starting from behind the halfway line, the Bath wing showcased his blistering pace, accelerating past two defenders and receiving a clever grubber kick from Marcus Smith to score a stunning try. This moment epitomized the X-factor that England’s bench brought to the game, drawing gasps from the crowd and underscoring the team’s growing attacking options.
Beyond Arundell, the bench contributed significantly with tries from Maro Itoje and Jamie George, echoing their impact from the previous week’s win over Australia. Twenty-year-old Henry Pollock, who scored a spectacular try against the Wallabies, was among the replacements ready to enter, highlighting the competition for places. Coach Borthwick emphasized the importance of bench impact, noting that Test matches often hinge on small margins and player fitness over 80 minutes.
Borthwick praised his team’s composure and resilience, attributes that had been questioned in tight games during the previous year. Captain Jamie George highlighted the leadership shown by fly-half Fin Smith in the huddle and the invaluable experience brought by substitutes. The coach described the bench decisions as “exactly the tough decisions you want as a head coach,” reflecting the squad’s depth and his selection dilemmas.
England’s ninth consecutive win marks their longest streak since an 18-game run from 2015 to 2017, during which they won a Grand Slam. This victory reinforces their progress under Borthwick and addresses previous criticisms about closing out close matches. The team’s ability to finish strongly, leveraging bench strength, suggests growing maturity and strategic depth as they build towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Fiji put up a spirited performance, with head coach Mick Byrne ruing a key moment when scrum-half Simi Kuruvoli spilled the ball while attempting to score, which could have narrowed the gap and altered the game’s dynamics. Byrne disagreed with the TMO’s decision but acknowledged the loss ended Fiji’s five-match winning streak. Borthwick commended Fiji’s quality, suggesting they could challenge for World Cup semi-finals with continued development.
Looking ahead, England face a stern test against New Zealand next Saturday, a team they lost to narrowly three times in 2024. The All Blacks also used their bench effectively to defeat Scotland, setting up a compelling clash. Ellis Genge expressed eagerness for the “battle of attrition,” noting New Zealand’s physical evolution. This match will be crucial for England to gauge their progress against top-tier opposition.
