England team to play Fiji: Henry Pollock comes into the XV

Sunday, 02 November 2025 at 16:40

byRugby Rucker

England’s 25–7 victory over Australia ticked all the right boxes — dominance up front, flashes of attacking promise, and another step forward under Steve Borthwick.

Join the RUCK’s WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.

But the big talking point came late on: Freddie Steward’s injury, which could open the door for Marcus Smith to start at full-back against Fiji.

With the All Blacks on the horizon, Borthwick will want to balance continuity with experimentation, testing key combinations while rewarding those in form.

We’re predicting five changes to the starting XV — all logical, all progressive.

? ENGLAND TEAM TO PLAY FIJI

15. Marcus Smith – replaces injured Freddie Steward

Steward’s knock means Smith is likely to slot in at full-back — and what a chance that is. His attacking vision and counter-attacking spark could transform England’s backfield. It’s a risk worth taking, especially against a Fiji side that loves broken-field chaos.

14. Tom Roebuck – keeps his place

Quietly effective. Excellent under the high ball and relentless in chase. Borthwick loves his reliability.

13. Tommy Freeman – steady in midfield

Powerful, versatile, and increasingly confident at Test level. Expect him to get more touches as England expand their attack.

12. Ollie Lawrence – replaces Fraser Dingwall

Adds bite, speed, and a direct line-breaking option. Dingwall offers control, but Lawrence’s physicality could be vital against Fiji’s hard-running centres.

11. Henry Arundell – replaces Immanuel Feyi-Waboso

A straight form call. Arundell’s electric pace and nose for the try-line make him impossible to ignore. Expect fireworks.

10. Fin Smith – replaces George Ford

Ford’s steady hand got the job done vs Australia, but Fin Smith has to be tested in a big fixture. He’s the future at fly-half — composed, clever, and playing with confidence.

9. Alex Mitchell – keeps his shirt

Sets England’s tempo. His quick ball and threat around the fringes are key to unlocking Fiji’s aggressive defence.

1. Fin Baxter – continues to grow

Scrummaged well against Australia. The Quins prop is learning fast and looks increasingly comfortable in the shirt.

2. Jamie George (VC) – leader of men

Lineout accuracy, leadership, and reliability — still the heartbeat of the pack.

3. Joe Heyes – solid in the set-piece

Unspectacular but improving every outing. Has earned another start.

4. Maro Itoje (C) – captain

Back to his world-class best. Relentless work rate, leadership presence, and the glue holding the pack together.

5. Ollie Chessum – ever dependable

Does the unseen work that wins matches — brilliant in contact and set-piece.

6. Guy Pepper – full of energy

A tireless tackler who gives England edge at the breakdown. His work rate will be key against Fiji’s offloading game.

7. Henry Pollock – replaces Sam Underhill

The call everyone wanted. After scoring off the bench vs Australia, Pollock gets his chance from the start. Brings pace, aggression, and raw hunger.

8. Ben Earl – undroppable

Still England’s standout performer. Relentless, explosive, and England’s best carrier by a distance.

? BENCH (Predicted)

Like Cowan-Dickie
Ellis Genge
Will Stuart
Alex Coles
Sam Underhill
Ben Spencer
George Ford
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso