Fiji vs England Preview & Prediction | 2026 Nations Championship | Round 2
by Trystan Pugh ·
Updated
Hill Dickinson Stadium plays host to Fiji vs England on Saturday, with both sides looking to kick-start their Nations Championship campaigns.
Start date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – ITV / USA – Not televised
How to watch online: UK – ITVX / USA – RugbyPass TV
Fiji team news: Nine changes from Wales defeat
Squad: Rayasi; Karaivalevu, Ravouvou, Tuisova, Wainiqolo; Muntz, Kuruvoli; Mawi, Ikanivere, Doge, Ratuva, Nasilasila, Yato, Tagitagivalu, Botia
Replacements: Matavesi, Matave, Ravai, Mayanavanua, Canakivata, Sovakula, Lomani, Armstrong-Ravula
England team news: Slade back in
Squad: Smith; Freeman, Slade, Atkinson, Feyi-Waboso; Smith, van Poortvliet; Earl, Pepper, Chessum; Martin, Coles; Heyes, George (capt), Genge
Replacements: Cowan-Dickie, Opoku-Fordjour, Kloska, Curry, Pollock, Mitchell, Janse van Rensburg, Caluori
Fiji vs England prediction
Despite making a strong start against Wales last weekend, Fiji were unable to capitalise on their attacking superiority and they ultimately fell to a 39-24 defeat in Cardiff.
The usual Fijian flair was on show, but there will have been disappointment among the Pacific islanders at the manner in which they were failed to make the most of their opportunities.
World champions South Africa were simply too good for England last week, with the Boks cruising to 45-21 victory in Johannesburg.
Head coach Steve Borthwick is undoubtedly a man under pressure given that England have now lost their last six matches, and he really needs a positive performance and result from his side here to stave off some of the criticism.
While England should be winning this contest at Hill Dickinson Stadium fairly comfortably, they have not been a convincing team in recent times and we think Fiji can keep this competitive.
Fiji vs England tip: Fiji +19.5
