Fiji goes down fighting 38-18 against England

The Fiji Water Flying Fijians went down fighting 38–18 against England in their first Autumn International Test this morning.

England came into the match as favourites, having won their past eight games.

They started strong with hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie crossing the try line in the 6th minute to give England a 7–0 lead.

Fiji responded with tries to captain Tevita Ikanivere and Caleb Muntz to take a 10–7 lead.

Muntz then converted a penalty to extend Fiji’s advantage to 13–7.

With three minutes left in the first half, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso scored for England to give them a 14–13 lead at halftime.

Selestino Ravutaumada was shown a yellow card for tackling a player in the air, which meant Fiji started the second half with 14 men.

Fiji’s third try came in the 51st minute when Ikanivere scored in the corner.

Halfback Simione Kuruvoli’s effort in the 63rd minute was disallowed after he dropped the ball close to the try line.

Discipline again cost Fiji as Josua Tuisova was shown a yellow card.

England kept the pressure on and managed to score another four tries in the second half through Ellis Genge, Jamie George, Maro Itoje and Henry Arundell.

The Flying Fijians will now turn their focus to their next match against France next Sunday.