Fiji beat England in Summer Series at Twickenham
Fiji recorded a first-ever win over England coming out on top at Twickenham 22-30.
Fiji recorded a first-ever win over England coming out on top at Twickenham 22-30.
Despite tries from Jonny May, Marcus Smith and Joe Marchant, as well as seven points from the boot of George Ford, England were unable to topple an inspired Fiji side.
Ford knocked a penalty over on the five-minute mark, and May crossed the whitewash moments later, claiming a 36th Test try on his return to the international scene. It came from a scrum in the middle of the field, and Ford opted to attack left, taking the ball to the line before spinning a pass in front of Ollie Lawrence into the path of May, who handed off Selestino Ravutaumada before dotting down to make it 8-0.
On 18 minutes Fiji fly-half Caleb Muntz cut the deficit with a penalty from 50 metres, and despite a downpour, the visitors began to throw the ball around and looking to offload out of tackles. Outside centre Waisea Nayacalevu had a try ruled out for a forward pass, and on the stroke of half time prop Eroni Mawi was shown a yellow card - though England were unable to capitalise with the extra man before the break.
Half time stats showed a game Fiji side, as the Pacific Islanders boasted a higher share of possession (52%), whilst making 16 more carries, 91 more metres and 12 more passes, as well as beating seven more defenders than Steve Borthwick's men.
The Fijians had a blistering start to the second half, Ravutaumada rounded May and squared up Freddie Steward before hitting Nayacalevu on the inside, and the centre duly cantered over the line. Muntz added the extras to make it 8-10 as the visitors took the lead for the first time.
Their lead was extended 10 minutes later, as wing Vinaya Habosi broke off from the base of a ruck, and ran 40 metres unopposed to bag Fiji's second. Muntz converted the effort, and was on hand minutes later slotting a penalty for a 8-20 score line.
England got back into the Test thanks to a neat chip-and-chase that was collected by replacement Smith, who dived over the line. Ford's extras made it a five point game.
Muntz kicked his thirteenth point as the hour mark passed, but England battled their way back through a Marchant try in the corner. Ford nailed the kick out wide to make it 22-23, but replacement Simione Kuruvolia scampered over with eight minutes to go, re-establishing a two score lead and confirming a famous win.
Teams
England
15. Freddie Steward, 14. Max Malins, 13. Ollie Lawrence, 12. Manu Tuilagi, 11. Jonny May, 10. George Ford, 9. Alex Mitchell, 1. Ellis Genge, 2. Theo Dan, 3. Dan Cole, 4. Maro Itoje, 5. Ollie Chessum, 6. Courtney Lawes (C), 7. Jack Willis, 8. Ben Earl
Replacements
16. Jack Walker, 17. Joe Marler, 18. Will Stuart, 19. David Ribbans, 20, Lewis Ludlam, 21. Danny Care, 22. Marcus Smith, 23. Joe Marchant
Fiji
15. Ilaisa Droasese, 14. Selestino Ravutaumada, 13. Waisea Nayacalevu, 12. Semi Radradra, 11. Vinaya Habosi, 10. Caleb Muntz, 9. Frank Lomani 1. Eroni Mawi, 2. Sam Matavesi 3. Luka Tagi, 4. Isoa Nasilasila, 5. Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, 6. Albert Tuisue, 7. Lekima Tagitagivalu, 8. Viliame Mata
Replacements
16. Zuriel Togiatama, 17. Jone Koroiduadua, 18. Samu Tawake, 19. Temo Mayanavanua, 20. Vilive Miramira, 21. Simione Kuruvolia, 22. Teti Tela, 23. Kalaveti Ravouvou
Summer Series Results
England 22-30 Fiji
