England’s experimental lineup faces Fiji in Autumn Nations Series opener

England's experimental lineup faces Fiji in Autumn Nations Series opener

England will test a radically reshuffled squad against Fiji at Twickenham on Saturday (17:40 GMT), as head coach Steve Borthwick prioritizes depth and adaptability over continuity two years ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup. With seven changes to the starting XV-some enforced by injuries to Freddie Steward and Tom Roebuck-Borthwick's selections signal a long-term strategy to build a versatile, high-tempo team capable of matching South Africa's forward-heavy bench tactics.

Fly-half dilemma takes center stage

The most scrutinized decision sees Fin Smith, the 22-year-old Northampton playmaker, handed the No. 10 jersey ahead of George Ford, who guided England through the summer Tests. Meanwhile, Marcus Smith-once the attacking linchpin-finds himself at full-back, a position he has rarely occupied. Borthwick acknowledged the "frustration" among players but framed it as necessary for growth: "Players always have bumps and corners to turn. The coaching team is there to support them."

Assistant coach Kevin Sinfield noted the "edge and appetite" fostered by competition, though he admitted managing discontent remains part of the challenge. "It's rare anybody's journey goes in one direction," Borthwick added, hinting at the fluid roles players may need to embrace.

Square pegs and tactical gambles

Beyond the fly-half conundrum, Borthwick's selections include Chandler Cunningham-South at No. 8-a player with just three starts in the position over the past year-as England auditions replacements for the France-bound Tom Willis. The bench features only one backline specialist, Henry Arundell, raising the possibility of flanker Ben Earl reverting to midfield, a role he filled earlier this year. Fin Smith has even trained at inside center, preparing for potential in-game shifts.

The rationale? A 2027 World Cup squad built on interchangeable parts. "I want every player to be able to play 80 minutes," Borthwick told Rugby Union Weekly, citing improved team athleticism and tempo. "We're stepping forward from 12 months ago-more pace, better acceleration."

"From a physical point of view, the team is improving. We have more pace, our acceleration is getting better. You see the athleticism this team has, which is a different make-up to previous England teams."

Steve Borthwick, England head coach

Fiji's threat: No passive opposition

England's experimental approach faces an immediate test against a Fiji side that stunned Twickenham 30-22 in August 2023, shattering the hosts' aura. This iteration boasts Bristol's Kalaveti Ravouvou and Top 14 try-leader Jiuta Wainiqolo in a backline brimming with creativity, while their forward pack-led by the bone-rattling Levani Botia-promises physicality. Recall of Botia's 2023 World Cup quarter-final collision with Tom Curry left England's Ben Earl wincing: "The noise that made was like, 'Oh my God.' It's rare you hear that on the pitch."

For Borthwick, the match is less about the result and more about stress-testing systems. "Rugby should relish animosity and aggression," he said earlier this week. Yet with Fiji's backline capable of exploiting any defensive disarray, England's makeshift combinations will need to gel quickly-or risk another Twickenham upset.

Key matchups to watch

• Fin Smith vs. Fiji's midfield: The 22-year-old's composure under pressure will be critical against Josua Tuisova's power and Ravouvou's guile.
• Cunningham-South's audition: Can the inexperienced No. 8 anchor England's forward battle against Botia and Co.?
• Marcus Smith's utility: His adaptability at full-back-or potential midfield shift-could define England's tactical flexibility.

How to follow

Coverage begins at 17:40 GMT on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, with live text updates on the BBC Sport website and app. The match marks the start of England's Autumn Nations Series, ahead of clashes with Japan (Nov. 16), New Zealand (Nov. 23), and Australia (Nov. 30).