6. Borthwick’s back-up hookers given time to make a statement
Jamie George was left out of the England squad for the first time in the 2023 Summer Nations Series, with his Saracens protégé Theo Dan given his first international test start at hooker. After making off-the-bench appearances throughout the Summer, Dan was put up against Northampton Saints front rower Sam Matavesi, in a contest that generated mixed results.
An early scrum saw England awarded a penalty, with Dan getting the slaps on the back from his teammates in the pack. However, following the early success at scrum-time, Dan’s performance was hindered at the line-out, with the conditions playing a definite part with lightning striking overhead. England adapted their gameplan, and opted for rolling mauls, which again had a mixed bag of success.
In the loose, Dan provided England fans with some excitement, with his standout moment being a huge double tackle alongside Dan Cole. The Twickenham faithful then saw Jack Walker make a run out, with Borthwick testing out his depth in the number two jersey. The young Harlequin had a quieter game than he would have hoped, yet is an integral part of the squad and should be included for the trip to France.
7. Marcus Smith Shows Versatility at Fullback
After much speculation throughout the week, England fans witnessed Harlequins talisman Marcus Smith run out for his country in a new position. In what could be an end to the fly half selection saga, Smith came on for Freddie Steward at fullback and had an instant impact by scoring a try. Smith ran on to George Ford’s chip over the defence, and was through to score under the posts to breath some hope into England’s comeback ambitions.
Smith’s involvement was limited due to his time on the pitch, and he did provide an enticing option for the number 15 jersey. Steward has long held the fullback position in Borthwick’s eyes, yet the playmaking talents of Smith could well be utilised akin to how the All Blacks view Beauden Barrett and Damien McKenzie as fly half-come-full backs. Smith presented his talents from the boot with a neat grubber kick to pin Fiji in their corner after 62 minutes.
Another key involvement saw Smith carry the ball high to the line, in the phase prior to Joe Marchant’s try. The Quins man was folded in half by a clattering Fijian double tackle, yet Smith had succeeded in his mission. He put his body on the line to draw the Fijians to him, leaving Marchant open on the right wing to score in the following phase of play. Commendable stuff from Smith, given how hard the Pacific Islanders were hitting, he’ll certainly feel that in the morning.
8. Ban Pending for Joe Marler?
After the suspensions to Owen Farrell and Billy Vunipola, another enforced ban following a high tackle could be on the cards. Despite not being awarded a yellow, or taking a trip to the buner, replacement England prop Joe Marler may have put his Rugby World Cup in jeopardy with a tackle on a Fijian ball carrier.
With Ben Earl chopping Albert Tuisue, Marler came in to re-enforce the tackle, yet the loosehead’s shoulder made contact to the head of the Gloucester back-rower. Tuisue then departed Twickenham for a HIA, with an unwanted ban teetering on the horizon for the Harlequins prop.
ENGLAND: 22
TRIES: 3 (May 9′, Smith 57′, Marchant 68′)
CONVERSIONS: 2 (Ford 57′, 68′)
PENALTIES: 1 (Ford 5′)
DROP GOALS: 0
YELLOW CARDS (BUNKERS): 0
RED CARDS: 0
ENGLAND STARTING XV:
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 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: 30
TRIES: 3 (Nayacalevu 43′, Habosi 51′, Kuruvoli 72′)
CONVERSIONS: 3 (Muntz 43′, 51′ 72′)
PENALTIES: 3 (Muntz 17′, 56′, 61′)
DROP GOALS: 0
YELLOW CARDS (BUNKERS): 1 (0) (Mawi 38′)
RED CARDS: 0
FIJI STARTING XV: 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. Luke Tagi 4. Isoa Nasilasila 5. Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta 6. Albert Tuisue 7. Lekima Tagitagivalu 8. Viliame Mata
REPLACEMENTS: Zuriel Togiatama 17. Jone Korioduadua 18. Samu Tawake 19. Temo Mayanavanua 20. Vilive Miramira 21. Simione Kurivoli 22. Teti Tela 23. Kalaveti Ravouvou