England v Fiji prediction Rugby World Cup 2023 quarter-final, kickoff time, how to watch in New Zealand

England made the bold decision to start Marcus Smith at fullback for the Rugby World Cup quarterfinal against Fiji on Sunday.

Smith, typically a flyhalf, was handed his first international start at No. 15 for the pool match against Chile in what was regarded as an experiment.

England coach Steve Borthwick is going with the same ploy for his team’s biggest match of the tournament, with Freddie Steward — who has been a solid option at fullback for the past two years — not even making the matchday 23.

Steward is reliable under the high ball but that might not be important against Fiji, whose attacking game relies on its power runners and offloading more than up-and-unders and an aerial threat. That might explain Borthwick’s preference for Smith, who has more flair as a broken-field runner.

Owen Farrell reverts to flyhalf in the team announced on Friday, meaning George Ford drops to the bench. It is tough on Ford, who was England’s best player in its big pool-stage wins over Argentina and Japan and is the form player at No. 10.

Manu Tuilagi and Joe Marchant are reunited in the centres and, with Farrell at flyhalf, England has a physical presence in midfield in a bid to handle Fiji’s heavy artillery. Elliot Daly is restored to the left wing as part of the backline reshuffle.

In total, there are two changes in personnel and two positional switches to the team that beat Samoa 18-17 on Saturday, with Borthwick keeping faith with the pack.

England lost to Fiji 30-22 at Twickenham in August in the World Cup warmups, the Pacific Island nation’s first win in the fixture, and 10 players who started that damp afternoon are in the run-on team in Marseille.

“Everyone knows just what an unpredictably dangerous opposition Fiji can be,” Borthwick said. “However, we have shown in the group stages how we can win games and we will be calling on that experience and determination to ensure we carry on our journey.”

Fiji hooker Sam Matavesi will be among the reserves at the end of a week when his father, Sireli Matavesi, died.

History

Played 8, England won 7, Fiji 1

TAB odds

England $1.33, Fiji $3.10

How to watch

Sky Sport 1 from 3.45am Monday

Herald prediction

England 25 Fiji 21

Lineups

England: Marcus Smith, Jonny May, Joe Marchant, Manu Tuilagi, Elliot Daly, Owen Farrell, Alex Mitchell; Ben Earl, Tom Curry, Courtney Lawes, Ollie Chessum, Maro Itoje, Dan Cole, Jamie George, Ellis Genge. Reserves: Theo Dan, Joe Marler, Kyle Sinckler, George Martin, Billy Vunipola, Danny Care, George Ford, Ollie Lawrence.

Fiji: Ilaisa Droasese, Vinaya Habosi, Waisea Nayacalevu (captain), Josua Tuisova, Semi Radradra, Vilimoni Botitu, Frank Lomani; Viliame Mata, Levani Botia, Lekima Tagitagivalu, Albert Tuisue, Isoa Nasilasila, Luke Tagi, Tevita Ikanivere, Eroni Mawi. Reserves: Sam Matavesi, Peni Ravai, Mesake Doge, Meli Derenalagi, Vilive Miramira, Simione Kuruvoli, Iosefo Masi, Sireli Maqala.

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- With AP