"Brutal" - The reason why Freddie Steward has been dropped revealed
Rugby NewsFriday, 13 October 2023 at 13:05
Owen Farrell will assume the fly-half position in England's Rugby World Cup quarter-final against Fiji, taking over from George Ford. Meanwhile, Marcus Smith is set to start at full-back.
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Despite being named England men's player of the year for the last two years, Freddie Steward did not make the matchday 23.
Steward's primary strength lies in his ability under high balls, but Fiji has utilized kicking tactics sparingly throughout the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Therefore, Steve Borthwick believed that deploying Marcus Smith at fullback, where he won't face significant defensive pressure, and can act as a second playmaker, would offer more advantages.
Steward is understandably disappointed, but he is likely to return to the team in the event that England progresses to the semi-finals, possibly against France or South Africa.
WHEN IS ENGLAND V FIJI?
The 2023 Rugby World Cup Quarter-Final between England and Fiji will be played at 4pm on Sunday, October 15th.
TV CHANNEL
In the United Kingdom the England v Fiji game will be broadcast on ITV1 with pre-game coverage beginning at 3pm.
Television viewers in Ireland can tune into RTÉ 2 from 3.30pm to catch all the action.
Caleb Muntz of Fiji kicks the ball out of play and celebrates with team mates the win over England during the Summer International match between England and Fiji at Twickenham Stadium on August 26, 2023 in London, England. ( Photo by Phil Mingo/PPAUK )
HEAD-TO-HEAD RESULTS LAST FIVE MATCHES
England and Fiji have been battling in Test rugby since 1999. Since then they’ve faced off five times.
Their first meeting was at the 1999 Rugby World Cup where England won 45-24.
England won the next three fixtures before losing their game 22-30 against Fiji during the Rugby World Cup warm-up.
2023: Fiji won 22-30
2016: England won 58-15
2015: England won 35-11
2012: England won 54-12
1999: England won 45-24
REFEREE & OFFICIATING TEAM?
Referee: Mathieu Raynal (France)
Assistant Referees: Nic Berry (Australia), Pierre Brousset (France)
TMO: Ben Whitehouse (Wales)
EXPECTED ENGLAND TEAM TO PLAY FIJI:
BACK-THREE:
15. Marcus Smith
14. Henry Arundell
13. Joe Marchant
12. Ollie Lawrence
11. Max Malins
10. Owen Farrell
9. Danny Care
1. Bevan Rodd
2. Theo Dan
3. Will Stuart
4. George Martin
5. David Ribbans
6. Ben Earl
7. Jack Willis
8. Billy Vunipola
England’s route to the 2023 Rugby World Cup final revealed
Let's venture into the realm of imagination and explore the potential trajectory that awaits Borthwick's formidable team.
Quarter-final: England v Fiji
After a historic defeat to the Pacific Islanders last month, England is poised to seek redemption in the quarter-finals. Steve Borthwick's squad aims to erase the memory of their lackluster performance, and with their recent form, they stand a strong chance of advancing to the semi-finals.
Caleb Muntz of Fiji kicks the ball out of play and celebrates with team mates the win over England during the Summer International match between England and Fiji at Twickenham Stadium on August 26, 2023 in London, England. ( Photo by Phil Mingo/PPAUK )
Semi-final: England v France (or South Africa)
If the French can secure victory against South Africa in the quarter-finals, they will face England in Paris in the next stage. Despite Dupont's injury, he will be available for the match. However, England might capitalise on a fatigued French team that expended every ounce of effort to eliminate the Springboks in the previous round.
Antoine Dupont of France during the Guinness Six Nations match between England and France at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on Saturday 11th March 2023 | Photo: James Fearn/PPAUK.
Final: England v Ireland (or New Zealand, Wales or Argentina)
To be the best you've got to beat the best. Steve Borthwick's men will have to beat the number one side in the world if they're to lift the Webb Ellis Cup for a second time.
Jonathan Sexton, Captain of Ireland looks dejected during the Guinness Six Nations Match between England and Ireland at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on February 23. - PHOTO: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
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