England’s full-back Freddie Steward is facing uncertainty regarding his participation in Saturday’s test match against the Fiji Water Flying Fijians due to a hand injury he sustained during the team’s 25-7 win over Australia. His absence from training sessions on Monday and Tuesday raises concerns about his fitness for the upcoming game.
If Steward is ruled out, England will need to make some tough decisions regarding his replacement. Potential candidates include Marcus Smith, Tommy Freeman, or Tom Roebuck. Adding to the challenge, both George Furbank and Elliot Daly will not be available for selection, prompting head coach Steve Borthwick to consider moving Ben Earl to the inside centre position. This move aligns with England’s strategy of developing positional flexibility ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
The highly anticipated fixture against the Flying Fijians is set for 5:40 AM this Sunday at Twickenham Stadium. Fans can look forward to an exciting clash between two teams eager to demonstrate their strengths in this crucial autumn test. England aims to build on their recent successes, while Fiji seeks to leverage their dynamic squad, which boasts a blend of experienced players and emerging talents.
This match is not only a chance for both sides to display their preparations and game plans but also serves as a rematch following England’s narrow 30-24 victory over Fiji in the quarter-finals of the 2023 Rugby World Cup. With the stakes high, there is a palpable sense of optimism as both teams prepare to make their mark on the international stage.