Rugby World Cup Preview: England v Fiji
Twickenham takes centre stage this weekend as the curtain opens on the Rugby World Cup
England, who were knocked out at the quarter final stage by New Zealand in the 2011 tournament, are looking to take advantage of the home crowd, and their unbeaten record against their opponents, to get their 2015 campaign off to a positive start.
Venue: Twickenham Stadium
Kick-off time: 8.00pm
Alternative venues nearby: Richmond FanZone, Old Deer Park, Richmond, TW9
Television: Live coverage - ITV/ITVHD - Friday, 18th September (7.25pm), S4C - Friday, 18th September (7.00pm); Highlights - ITV/ITVHD - Friday, 18th September (11.05pm), ITV4 - Saturday, 19th September (9.50am)
Radio: BBC Radio 5live - Friday, 18th September (8.00pm)
The Teams:
England: 15 Mike Brown, 14 Anthony Watson, 13 Jonathan Joseph, 12 Brad Barritt, 11 Jonny May, 10 George Ford, 9 Ben Youngs, 8 Ben Morgan, 7 Chris Robshaw(c), 6 Tom Wood, 5 Geoff Parling, 4 Courtney Lawes, 3 Dan Cole, 2 Tom Youngs, 1 Joe Marler. Replacements: 16 Rob Webber, 17 Mako Vunipola, 18 Kieran Brookes, 19 Joe Launchbury, 20 Billy Vinipola, 21 Richard Wigglesworth, 22 Owen Farrell, 23 Sam Burgess.
Fiji: 15 MetuiselaTalebula, 14 Walsea Nayacalevu, 13 Verininki Goneva, 12 Gabiriele Lovobalavu, 11 Nemani Nodolo, 10 Ben Volavola, 9 Nikola Matawalu, 8 Sakiusa Masi Matadigo, 7 Akapusi Qera(c), 6 Dominiko Waqaniburotu, 5 Leone Nakawara, 4 Apisalome Ratuniyarawa, 3 Manasa Saulo, 2 Sunia Koto, 1 Campese Ma'afu. Replacements: 16 Tuapati Talemaitoga, 17 Peni Ravai, 18 Isei Colati, 19 Tevita Cavubati, 20 Peceli Yato, 21 Nemia Kanatale, 22 Joshua Matavesi, 23 Aseli Tikoirotuma.
Head to Head results: England - Won 5, Drawn 0, Lost 0
Form: The Fijian team come in off the back of an unbeaten run in five internationals and England with three wins and one loss in recent matches, and an unbeaten record against their opponents, so confidence will be running high in both teams
Predictions: England remain the favourites to win despite John McKee fielding one of Fiji's strongest teams to date at this tournament.
Last time they met: England won 54-12 at Twickenham Stadium on 10th November 2012
Familiar Faces: Three of England's match-day squad of 23 - T.Youngs, Launchbury and M.Vunipolo - made their Test debuts the last time these two teams met in November 2012.
Did you know? James Bond actor, Daniel Craig, is a big Rugby fan and when he left school he played for the Rugby Union side Holylake RFC semi-professionally. He was also asked to play in the 2015 inaugural Rugby Aid match at Twickenham Stadium on September 4th but insurers did not want him to damage his movie star good looks so opted to become one of the team managers alongside Hollywood actor Russell Crowe.
Travel information for supporters:
The ground is located on Whitton Road, Twickenham, TW2. There is no spectator parking at or near to the stadium, except for blue badge holders. Fans are advised to walk (if in close proximity to the stadium) or use local and national coach and rail services. If spectators are travelling by car they are encouraged to use the Park&Ride sites available at Kempton Park and Hounslow Civic Centre.
After the match there will be a free shuttle service in operation that goes directly back to Waterloo through Richmond. This should be quicker than queuing at Twickenham.