England silenced their critics with a dominant 73-8 victory over a 14-man Fiji in the Nations Championship on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool. The win, which featured 11 tries, was the largest margin of victory for England over Fiji and their biggest win since the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
England's Response to South Africa Defeat
After a heavy loss to world champion South Africa in Johannesburg the previous weekend, England faced questions about their lineup, tactics, and attitude. However, they responded emphatically at home, overpowering an outclassed Fiji side that struggled for possession and could not handle England's scrum, maul, and defense.
Fiji conceded 12 penalties, nine in the first half, and received a red card to scrumhalf Simione Kuruvoli for kicking Ellis Genge in the stomach. This forced Fiji to play the entire second half with 14 men, allowing England to play wider and be ruthless.
First Half Dominance
England led 35-3 at halftime, with tries from Marcus Smith, Jamie George, Guy Pepper, debutant Benhard Janse van Rensburg, and Seb Atkinson. Smith's opening try came after Fiji's Salesi Rayasi let the ball bounce off the right corner flag. George scored from a lineout drive before the first water break.
Fiji had a try disallowed just before halftime when Kalaveti Ravouvou scored after 11 phases, but it was chalked off due to Kuruvoli's red-card offense.
Second Half Onslaught
Fiji captain Tevita Ikanivere scored the first try of the second half, but Fiji never threatened the England tryline again. England added six more tries, including a hat trick from replacement flanker Henry Pollock. Fin Smith converted nine conversions overall.
England debuted three players: South Africa-born center Janse van Rensburg, 19-year-old wing Noah Caluori, and prop George Kloska. Both backs scored, with Janse van Rensburg setting up Caluori for a try.
Looking Ahead
England's next test comes against Argentina in Santiago del Estero next weekend. After a poor performance against the Springboks, England were under pressure to avoid a sixth straight test defeat for the first time in 20 years. Fiji will face Scotland next weekend.
