Quarter-Final Preview: England v Fiji
2 years ago by Ultimate RugbyFiji return to the quarter-final stage for the first time since 2007, and the same ground where – 16 years ago – they gave eventual champions South Africa an almighty scare in their last-eight...
Head coach Raiwalui, captain Nayacalevu talk after team announcement
2 years ago by Ultimate RugbySimon Raiwalui, head coach On the general mood and confidence levels going in to the game: "The boys have trained well this week, had a good session this morning, so they have prepared well. We are looking...
Marcus Smith given full-back role for England’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final
2 years ago by Ultimate RugbyFreddie Steward has missed out on the 23-player matchday squad. England have rolled the dice for Sunday’s World Cup quarter-final against Fiji by naming Marcus Smith at full-back in place of the...
Former England star Ashton - 'It would be good to see all-northern hemisphere semi-finals'
2 years ago by Ultimate RugbyComments from former England winger Chris Ashton on Friday ahead of England's quarter-final against Fiji at Stade de Marseille on Sunday, 15 October. On what he reads into England’s struggles...
Smith starts at full-back - England name team to play Fiji in RWC quarter-final
2 years ago by Ultimate RugbyEngland men’s head coach Steve Borthwick has named his team to play Fiji in the quarter-finals of the Rugby World Cup 2023 at Stade de Marseille. Owen Farrell will captain a starting XV with...
Stats review - what do the figures reveal about the eight quarter-finalists?
2 years ago by Ultimate RugbyFrugal France take on the error-prone Springboks, while England and Fiji promise a clash of two styles. Can Argentina break the wall of Welsh defence, and will Ireland make history against the free-running...
England happy being cast as villains in World Cup quarter-final – Billy Vunipola
2 years ago by Ultimate RugbyThere is a desire to see a Pacific Islands nation progress deep into the World Cup given they produce some of the game’s finest players. Billy Vunipola insists England are comfortable being cast...
Marcus Smith hails Daley Thompson sprint sessions as he bids to emulate NZ duo
2 years ago by Ultimate RugbyMarcus Smith has been completing sprint sessions with British Olympic great Daley Thompson in his effort to become one of the sport’s finest playmakers. Smith has developed into England’s...
Learning how to win ugly a sign of England’s progress – Ben Earl
2 years ago by Ultimate RugbyEngland edged out Samoa to continue their unbeaten record at the World Cup. Ben Earl admits memories of August’s shock defeat by Fiji flashed through England’s minds against Samoa...
ENG eve of match (v SAM): Harrison, Cole, Marchant
2 years ago by Ultimate RugbyComments from England scrum coach Tom Harrison, prop Dan Cole and winger Joe Marchant ahead of the Pool D match with Samoa on Saturday, 7 October. Tom Harrison, scrum coach On Jack Willis being...
