Fiji’s rugby team is on a meteoric rise, and this weekend’s clash with England is more than just a game—it’s a nation’s quest for redemption. But here’s where it gets controversial: While Fiji may be the lowest-ranked team England faces this November, dismissing them as an easy win would be a grave mistake. Sandwiched between a victory over Australia and a high-stakes showdown with the All Blacks, this Twickenham encounter might seem like a breather for England. Easy, but foolish.
Let’s rewind to 2023, when Fiji pushed England to the brink in a Rugby World Cup quarter-final in Marseille. With just 10 minutes left, Vilimoni Botitu’s stunning try leveled the score at 24-24. Owen Farrell’s drop goal and Ben Earl’s late-game heroics barely secured England a six-point win. And this is the part most people miss: Just weeks earlier, Fiji had made history by beating England for the first time in a pre-tournament warm-up at Twickenham. That loss was England’s sixth in nine matches under Steve Borthwick’s shaky start, making their eventual semi-final run seem almost unimaginable.
Fast forward to now, and England is on a nine-match winning streak, eyeing the 2027 World Cup draw. But in Fiji, the memory of that narrow quarter-final defeat still stings. Redemption is the buzzword, with hundreds of thousands of fans ready to tune in at 5:40 a.m. local time on Sunday. As Mark Evans, CEO of the Fijian Drua, puts it, ‘Rugby isn’t just a sport in Fiji—it’s a cultural cornerstone.’ From young to old, across every island and ethnicity, rugby unites the nation.
Fiji’s current form is no fluke. Ranked ninth in the world, they’ve lost only once to a lower-ranked team since 2022. The Fijian Drua’s entry into Super Rugby in 2017 has deepened the talent pool, with players like Jiuta Wainiqolo—arguably one of the world’s best wings—and the powerhouse Josua Tuisova leading the charge. ‘The rankings don’t lie,’ Evans adds. ‘We’ve got depth and quality.’
Head coach Mick Byrne’s strategy is simple yet bold: ‘We want to be physical. Take it to them.’ Fresh off a Pacific Nations Cup title win against Japan, Fiji is brimming with confidence. But England fans should watch out for Elia Canakaivata, a breakout star who could wreak havoc at No. 7. Here’s the bold question: Can Fiji pull off another historic upset, or will England’s winning streak continue? One thing’s certain—this match will be a physical battle, with hits like Tom Curry’s on Levani Botia still echoing in players’ memories.
Regardless of the outcome, Fiji’s future looks brighter than ever. ‘They’re nowhere near their ceiling,’ Evans says. ‘There’s still work to do, but the potential is limitless.’ So, as Twickenham prepares for this clash, one thing is clear: Fiji isn’t here to make up the numbers—they’re here to make history. What do you think? Can Fiji turn the tables again, or will England’s momentum prove too much? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
