World Cup quarter-final: England v Fiji, Stade de Marseille, Sunday, 4.0 Irish time – Live on RTÉ 2
Steve Borthwick has urged his side to make the most of their opportunity as England face Fiji for a place in the World Cup semi-finals on Sunday, reflecting on his failure to do so during his playing career.
England lock horns with Fiji in Marseilles on Sunday with a place in the last four up for grabs and though they suffered a historic defeat by the Pacific Islanders at Twickenham seven weeks ago, Borthwick’s side have won all four of their World Cup pool stage matches since.
As a player, Borthwick missed out on selection for the squad who went on to clinch England’s only World Cup title in 2003 before playing his part in the unlikely run to the final four years later. In 2011, Borthwick was hopeful of a third crack at the tournament but was unceremoniously axed by Martin Johnson. As a result, Borthwick has warned his side that there are no tomorrows as they battle for their place in the semi-final.
“You’ve got to take the opportunities that are presented to you,” said Borthwick. “Rise to the occasion of this game because you never know what’s around the corner. As a rugby player I thought I had an opportunity in 2003 and didn’t get picked. I went in 2007 and thought I’d be there in 2011 but I wasn’t so I played in one tournament.
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“I want the players to embrace this challenge and have the time of their lives representing England. I want them to have a fantastic memory of this World Cup and I want the team to continue to get better and better. Let’s see how good we can be.”
On Friday Borthwick confirmed the boldest selection call of his tenure to date by axing George Ford, restoring Owen Farrell to outhalf and handing Marcus Smith only a second ever start at fullback.
It was the defence coach, Kevin Sinfield, who suggested he play at fullback during the summer and he impressed in cameos against Ireland and Fiji in the World Cup warm-ups as well as against Japan in the pool stages. Against Chile he formed a 10-15 dual playmaker axis with Farrell and Borthwick has turned to that combination again for Sunday’s encounter.
His Harlequins team-mate Joe Marler, who provides loosehead prop cover from the bench against Fiji, is backing Smith to handle the occasion, however. “He’s a big match player. I’m really happy for him to get his opportunity to start again in a World Cup. He’ll thrive. He’s shown it off the bench, in the moments we’ve needed him and I hope he can do that from the start,” said Marler.
“He’s had [the big-match temperament] early on, even to the point where I turn around and say ‘I’m going to have to say something to this guy, he’s gobbing off at me’. Then you realise he knows what he’s talking about and the fact he had that confidence as a 17-18 year old, that desire to be the best and be part of the team and wants to drive within that wheel.
“He’s managed to carry that on throughout his career so far, and he’s done it consistently at club level. It’s about now doing it consistently at international level and what better place to do that than starting in the quarter-final.”
Fiji have returned Semi Radradra to the left wing among three backline switches. Ilaisa Droasese returns at fullback, while Vinaya Habosi switches to the right wing in place of Selestino Ravutaumada.
Among the forwards, Tevita Ikanivere will earn his first World Cup start after playing Fiji’s first four pool games off the bench, replacing Sam Matavesi at hooker while Gloucester’s Albert Tuisue is in at lock and Lekima Tagitagivalu chosen as openside flanker.
It means there are 10 starters from the Fiji side that beat England in August.
Matavesi is on the bench after earlier this week travelling back to England, where he lives and plays in the Premiership, after the death of his father, Sireli.
It was the second family bereavement to hit the Fijians during the tournament after the death of Josua Tuisova’s seven-year-old son Tito following a long illness. Tuisova missed his son’s funeral in order to stay in France.
ENGLAND: Marcus Smith; Jonny May, Joe Marchant, Manu Tuilagi, Elliot Daly; Owen Farrell (capt), Alex Mitchell; Ellis Genge, Jamie George, Dan Cole; Maro Itoje, Ollie Chessum; Courtney Lawes, Tom Curry, Ben Earl.
Replacements: Theo Dan, Joe Marler, Kyle Sinckler, George Martin, Billy Vunipola, Danny Care, George Ford, Ollie Lawrence.
FIJI: Ilaisa Droasese; Vinaya Habosi, Waisea Nayacalevu (capt), Josua Tuisova, Semi Radradra; Vilimoni Botitu, Frank Lomani; Eroni Mawi, Tevita Ikanivere, Luke Tagi; Isoa Nasilasila, Albert Tuisue; Lekima Tagitagivalu, Levani Botia, Viliame Mata.
Replacements: Sam Matavesi, Peni Ravai, Mesake Doge, Meli Derenalagi, Vilive Miramira, Simione Kuruvoli, Iosefo Masi, Sireli Maqala.
