England name team for Fiji World Cup quarter-final as Smith decision made

13 October 2023 , 11:00

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England name team for Fiji World Cup quarter-final as Smith decision made

Steve Borthwick says his England team “cannot wait” for Sunday’s World Cup quarter-final after confirming Owen Farrell at fly-half and Marcus Smith at fullback.

England take on Fiji in Marseille and Borthwick has chosen to drop George Ford, hero of England’s last appearance at Stade Velodrome, from the team and Freddie Steward from the squad.

“The knockout stages of any Rugby World Cup are always full of excitement and keen anticipation for our supporters both at home and here in France,” he said. “This will be no different. The players cannot wait.

“Everyone knows just what an unpredictably dangerous opposition Fiji can be. 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.”

Smith has only ever started one match at fullback but showed with his two-try display against Chile what havoc he is capable of wreaking.

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Elsewhere, Borthwick leaves alone with Billy Vunipola only claiming a place on the bench against the hard-running, hard-tackling Pacific Islanders.

“We are very much looking forward to returning to the special atmosphere of the Stade de Marseille, where we started our campaign,” Borthwick added.

“It is right that I say it again, our supporters contributed to a very special night on that occasion, and I have no doubt it will be another memorable evening this Sunday.”

England team to face Fiji

15. Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 28 caps)

14. Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby, 76 caps)

13. Joe Marchant (Stade Francais, 23 caps)

12. Manu Tuilagi (Sale Sharks, 56 caps)

11. Elliot Daly (Saracens, 62 caps)

10. Owen Farrell – captain (Saracens, 109 caps)

9. Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints, 9 caps)

Borthwick changes half of England team for Six Nations opener against Scotland

1. Ellis Genge – vice-captain (Bristol Bears, 55 caps)

2. Jamie George (Saracens, 82 caps)

3. Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers, 104 caps)

4. Maro Itoje (Saracens, 73 caps)

5. Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers, 15 caps)

6. Courtney Lawes – vice-captain (Northampton Saints, 103 caps)

7. Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 47 caps)

8. Ben Earl (Saracens, 22 caps)

Replacements:

16. Theo Dan (Saracens, 6 caps)

17. Joe Marler (Harlequins, 86 caps)

18. Kyle Sinckler (Bristol Bears, 66 caps)

19. George Martin (Leicester Tigers, 7 caps)

20. Billy Vunipola (Saracens, 73 caps)

21. Danny Care (Harlequins, 93 caps)

22. George Ford – vice-captain (Sale Sharks, 89 caps)

23. Ollie Lawrence (Bath Rugby, 18 caps)

Alex Spink