England v Fiji: Talking points and the numbers behind the game

England's Semesa Rokoduguni will win his second cap against Fiji.
England's Semesa Rokoduguni will win his second cap against Fiji.
©PA

England host Fiji at Twickenham on Saturday in the second of four autumn internationals.

We take a look at the talking points and the numbers ahead of this Saturday's game:

BORING ENGLAND

Eddie Jones has already outlined England's tactics for Fiji: "We just have to bore them to death". Jones believes that by denying the Pacific Islanders the opportunity to play their natural game, which is based upon athleticism, creativity and dazzling running lines, they will eventually lose focus to the benefit of his Grand Slam champions.

PRINCES V PAUPERS

Much has been made of the chasm in financial rewards available to Saturday's rivals with England players commanding a £22,000 match fee while Fiji receive a mere £60 per day while on tour. The Rugby Football Union has turned down a request from the Fijians to receive a £150,000 share of the £10million generated by each match, instead distributing £75,000, declaring it is for World Rugby to address concerns over their comparative poverty.

ROKO'S BACK

It has been 743 days since Semesa Rokoduguni made his England debut and the Bath wing described by George Ford as the most dangerous player he has ever seen has had to bide his time to win a second cap. He was immediately jettisoned by Stuart Lancaster's regime amid mixed messages for his descent out of favour, but the visit of Fiji to Twickenham has been carefully selected for the return of the Aviva Premiership's form player, who Jones hopes will go on to win 30 to 40 caps.

ENGLAND'S FIJIAN CONTINGENT

Rokoduguni is one half of England's Fijian contingent with Nathan Hughes the other, providing back three cover on the bench. The Islanders have promised a special welcome for the duo on the pitch at a time when the alarming player drain from their nation - all four wings in France's clash with Australia are of Fijian origin - is being highlighted like never before.

POSITIONAL MAVERICK

Jones continues to change his positional thinking on a weekly basis, now viewing Hughes as a six or eight when previously he had been identified as a seven. Teimana Harrison was viewed as too much of a traditional seven, unable to provide stopping power as a result, but now finds himself back in favour with the task of halting Fiji on the gainline. Elliot Daly has been switched to the wing in another u-turn from Jones, who had said he was not at home in the position.

Numbers:

497 - the number of international points amassed by England fly-half Owen Farrell.

742 - days since England wing Semesa Rokoduguni, who will win his second cap on Saturday, made his Test debut.

6 - the number of times England and Fiji have played each other before. England have won all six.

31 - minutes Teimana Harrison lasted until being replaced in the third Test against Australia in June.

60 - the figure in pounds Fiji players receive each day while on tour.

22,000 - the figure in pounds paid to England players for each match.

4 - players of Fijian origin playing on the wings in France's clash with Australia.

11 - the length of the winning run England are currently on.

14 - players in Fiji's starting XV who play club rugby in Europe.

534 - caps in England's starting XV.

 
 
 
 
 

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