England stretched their winning streak to 11 straight international matches with a commanding 38-18 victory over Fiji on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham. The crowd of 78,678 — the largest of the 2025 Autumn Internationals — witnessed a match that began with tension and ended in emphatic dominance, as England scored six tries to seal their fourth win in the Quilter Nations Series 2025. The result was a stark reversal of fortune from the 2023 Twickenham upset, when Fiji stunned the hosts 30-23 in one of the biggest shocks in modern rugby history.
A Reversal of Fortunes
Three years ago, Fiji’s Flying Fijians marched into Twickenham and walked out with a historic win — a moment that sent shockwaves through the rugby world. Fans still remember the raw emotion of that day: the chants echoing across the River Thames, the defiant celebrations in the stands, and the stunned silence that followed England’s collapse. But on this November night, the script flipped. England came out disciplined, clinical, and hungry. The pre-match odds from Rugby Pass had given Fiji just an 11% chance of winning — a reflection of the gulf in recent form — but few expected the margin to be so decisive.
The Game Unfolded: Cautious Start, Explosive Finish
Commentators described the first half as “cagey,” with both sides struggling to break through rigid defenses. Fiji, under Head Coach Mick Byrne, fielded a squad steeped in symbolism — honoring 50 years of rugby ties between the nations. The front row of Eroni Mawi, Tevita Ikanivere, and Mesake Doge anchored the scrum with grit, while Viliame Mata at number 8 orchestrated play with quiet authority. But England’s structure, led by fly-half Finn Smith, slowly tightened its grip. His crossfield kick in the 37th minute set up the opening try, and by halftime, England led 14-6.
The second half was a masterclass in momentum. Fiji’s Sakula scored a dazzling try off a clever offload, sparking brief hope. But England responded with three tries in 12 minutes — two from the backline, one from a driving maul. The crowd roared as Harry Randall (listed as Harry Arendel in early reports) came off the bench for 10 minutes and immediately shifted the tempo, making two clean breaks and a try-assist. “He looked quite shock well,” one commentator noted — a rare moment of unscripted praise in an otherwise polished performance.
Player of the Match: The Unlikely Choice
Despite the six-try rout, the Quilter Player of the Match award went to Austin, a name that drew murmurs from the commentary box. “It’s a really difficult one to pick, Ali,” said presenter Alex Morgan, “because there wasn’t really many standout performances.” Austin, a utility back who came on in the 58th minute, made two crucial tackles and set up the final try. His selection highlighted England’s depth — and perhaps the difficulty of picking a single hero from a team effort. “It wasn’t about one star,” said England captain Tom Curry afterward. “It was about 23 guys doing their jobs, over and over.”
Autumn Sweep and Broader Context
This win completed England’s perfect autumn campaign, adding to their 27-23 triumph over Argentina — where Max Ojomoh scored a vital try — and following up on wins over Georgia and Samoa. Meanwhile, the wider Autumn Internationals 2025 delivered drama elsewhere: Scotland crushed Tonga 56-0 at Murrayfield, with Duha van der Merwe reclaiming the all-time try-scoring lead; Ireland lost 24-13 to South Africa in a chaotic clash; and Wales saw Tom Rogers become the first British and Irish player to score a Test hat-trick against New Zealand.
For Fiji, the loss stings, but it’s not the end. Their 2023 win proved they belong among the elite. This match showed they’re still growing — and that England, under new coach Steve Borthwick, is now a more complete, ruthless machine. “We didn’t execute,” said Mick Byrne after the game. “We had chances. We didn’t take them. That’s the difference between good and great.”
History in the Balance
The rivalry between England and Fiji stretches back to 1973, when England edged out a 13-12 win in Cardiff. Since then, matches have swung wildly: Fiji’s 25-21 victory in Suva in 1988, their World Cup thrashings in 1999 and 2015, then the seismic 2023 win. The 2025 match was the first meeting since their 2023 World Cup clash in Marseille — the first time the fixture was played outside Twickenham or Fiji. Now, England holds the upper hand again. But with Fiji’s youth pipeline brimming with talent, this isn’t over.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Austin named Player of the Match despite limited playing time?
Austin, a utility back who came on in the 58th minute, made two critical tackles and set up the final try during a pivotal moment when Fiji were pushing for a comeback. The award reflected his impact in a high-pressure window — not total minutes played. England’s coaching staff emphasized consistency over flash, and Austin’s composure under pressure stood out in a match where few individual performances dominated.
How does this result affect England’s World Cup prospects?
England’s 11-match winning streak, including wins over Argentina, Fiji, and Samoa, signals strong momentum heading into the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Their improved set-piece execution, bench depth, and defensive discipline under Steve Borthwick suggest they’re no longer just a team with flair — they’re becoming a balanced, tournament-ready unit. However, critics note they still struggle against physically dominant teams like South Africa and New Zealand.
What was the significance of Fiji’s 50-year commemoration?
The match honored five decades of rugby ties between England and Fiji, dating to their first official encounter in 1973. Fiji’s team wore special jerseys with traditional patterns and held a pre-match ceremony honoring Fijian players who represented both nations. The event underscored rugby’s role in cultural diplomacy — especially meaningful after Fiji’s 2023 win, which ignited national pride across the Pacific.
Why did commentators mention a potential red card for Kattering?
Fiji’s Kattering was cited for a dangerous high tackle during the 42nd minute, and officials reviewed the incident for possible upgrade from yellow to red. Though ultimately downgraded, the moment highlighted the increasing scrutiny on player safety under World Rugby’s new tackle protocols. It also disrupted Fiji’s momentum — they lost a key playmaker for 10 minutes during their most dangerous phase.
Is Twickenham still a fortress for England against Pacific teams?
Historically, yes — England had won 12 of their last 13 matches against Fiji at Twickenham before 2023. But that upset proved the fortress isn’t impenetrable. This 2025 win restores some dominance, but Fiji’s growing professionalism means future matches will be tighter. The venue still favors England’s style, but Pacific teams are closing the physical and tactical gap faster than ever.
What’s next for England and Fiji after this match?
England will begin their 2026 Six Nations campaign in February, while Fiji head into the Pacific Nations Cup in June, aiming to qualify for the 2027 World Cup. Both teams are scheduled to meet again in November 2026 — this time in Suva. The stakes? Redemption for Fiji, and proof of consistency for England.