England full-back Freddie Steward’s participation is uncertain for Saturday’s test against the Fiji Water Flying Fijians following a hand injury sustained during the team’s 25–7 victory over Australia. The Leicester Tigers player was unable to attend training sessions on Monday and Tuesday, putting his chances of being fit for the upcoming match at risk.
Should Steward be sidelined, England faces a tough decision for replacements, considering options like Marcus Smith, Tommy Freeman, or Tom Roebuck, especially with George Furbank and Elliot Daly already absent from the lineup. Head coach Steve Borthwick is also contemplating a potential shift for Ben Earl to the inside centre position, further emphasizing England’s goal of fostering positional flexibility as they prepare for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
The highly anticipated match against the Flying Fijians is scheduled to take place at 5:40 AM this Sunday at Twickenham Stadium. Fans can expect an electrifying contest as both teams bring their strengths into this crucial autumn test. England will look to build on their recent performance, while Fiji will aim to capitalize on their resilient squad, featuring a mix of seasoned players and emerging talents.
This match presents a valuable opportunity for both teams to showcase their preparations and strategies, especially after England’s narrow 30-24 victory over Fiji in the quarter-finals of the 2023 Rugby World Cup. With the stakes high, there is an air of optimism around the encounter, as both teams are eager to prove themselves on the international stage.