Is Fiji v England on TV? Channel, kick-off time and how to watch Nations Championship clash
England will bid again to end their losing run as they face Fiji in the second round of the Nations Championship.
Defeat to South Africa in Johannesburg made it five defeats on the spin for Steve Borthwick’s side, leaving the head coach and his squad under heavy pressure.
There is reason to believe this could be a difficult day, too, with Fiji good for a gallop against Wales despite a disappointing performance in Cardiff.
The Pacific Islanders are hosting their three “home” games this July in the United Kingdom, with this encounter taking place at the home of Everton.
Here’s everything you need to know.
When is Fiji vs England?
Fiji vs England is due to kick off at 2.10pm BST on Saturday 11 July at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on ITV1, with coverage on the channel from 1.20pm BST. A live stream will be available via ITVX.
Team news
Fiji add plenty of back row experience and quality in the form of Peceli Yato and Levani Botia, two Top 14 veterans with complementary skillsets. Mesake Doge returns at tighthead while Caleb Muntz is preferred to Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula at fly half.
There is no Semi Radradra but the backline is still packed with punch and pizzazz as Kalaveti Ravouvou joins Josua Tuisova in the centres. Six forwards are included on the bench.
Fiji XV: 1 Eroni Mawi, 2 Tevita Ikanivere (capt.), 3 Mesake Doge; 4 Tevita Ratuva, 5 Isoa Nasilasila; 6 Peceli Yato, 7 Lekima Tagitagivalu, 8 Levani Botia; 9 Simione Kuruvoli, 10 Caleb Muntz; 11 Jiuta Wainiqolo, 12 Josua Tuisova, 13 Kalaveti Ravouvou, 14 Vuate Karawalevu; 15 Salesi Rayasi.
Replacements: 16 Sam Matavesi, 17 Livai Natave, 18 Peni Ravai, 19 Temo Mayanavanua, 20 Elia Canakaivata, 21 Pita Gus Sowakula; 22 Frank Lomani, 23 Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula.
Three of England’s replacements await a debut: tighthead prop George Kloska; newly-qualified centre Benhard Janse van Rensburg; and 19-year-old try-scoring sensation Noah Caluori. Steve Borthwick resists the urge, though, to make major changes to his starting side, instead making subtler tweaks with Tommy Freeman shifting out to the wing after Cadan Murley’s injury.
Freeman’s spot in the midfield is taken by Henry Slade, earning a recall after excellent form for Exeter, while Guy Pepper starts ahead of Tom Curry on the openside. Asher Opoku-Fordjour showcases his versatility by covering loosehead having come on at tighthead against the Springboks.
England XV: 1 Ellis Genge, 2 Jamie George (capt.), 3 Joe Heyes; 4 Alex Coles, 5 George Martin; 6 Ollie Chessum, 7 Guy Pepper, 8 Ben Earl; 9 Jack van Poortvliet, 10 Fin Smith; 11 Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, 12 Seb Atkinson, 13 Henry Slade, 14 Tommy Freeman; 15 Marcus Smith.
Replacements: 16 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 17 Asher Opoku-Fordjour, 18 George Kloska, 19 Tom Curry, 20 Henry Pollock; 21 Alex Mitchell, 22 Benhard Janse van Rensburg, 23 Noah Caluori.
