Freddie Steward allowed some high balls in difficult conditions at Twickenham. Photo: Pennsylvania/David Davies
England's dismal World Cup build-up has reached its lowest point as they suffered their first loss to the current second-tier nation, losing 30-22 to Fiji at Twickenham.
Johnny May raced forward to take the lead, but what followed shocked head coach Steve Borthwick as England lost to the team they sent out in all seven previous meetings.
Vaisea Nayakaleva and Vinaya Habosi landed on the field. put Fiji ahead, and while attempts by Marcus Smith and Joe Marchant hinted that the seismic shock could be avoided, the Islanders had other ideas.
This is how both teams assessed
England15. Freddie Steward
He was in the warm-ups all over the place, the only player to start in all four games, but he saved the worst for last. It was not possible to catch a cold — however, in the midst of a downpour. 3/10
14. Max Malins
As always, despite his football ability, there are doubts as to whether he poses a sufficient individual threat to the general public. Based on this evidence, he does not. 4/10
13. Ollie Lawrence Came alongside Tuilagi in one of the heaviest midfielders in England's history and looked sharp before disappearing. And he will be disappointed in the review that he missed a chance to counter with May in the acres in the first half. 5/10
12. Manu Tuilagi
Not a beast of the past. The center's fight with Semi Raddradra was exciting, but the Fijian and former Bristolian prevailed. One-dimensional. 4/10
11. Johnny May
As the lead replacement for Anthony Watson in England's World Cup squad, May made his attempt smart and shrewd in the air. Why the flank got involved in the mauls, one can only guess. 5/10
10. George Ford
From the start, he acted with energy and vigor and managed to maintain a certain composure when the team around him was falling apart. His playing partnership with Smith at age 15 brought hope, albeit a tiny one. 6/10
9. Alex Mitchell
Like Ford by his side, the scrum-half set the tone and pace early on in his first England start. As Fiji's confidence grew, Mitchell's trust was damaged. 6/10
Brian Moore verdict — Fiji win 1. Ellis Jenge
Ironically, this is one of his best outings in the England shirt. In one of the fights, he acted tough, demonstrated dexterity in free play and grunting in tight. God knows what would have happened without him. 7/10
2. Theo Dan
The prostitute's first appearance for England, he was full of energy. Dan, often like a clockwork toy, was dynamic, dangerous, but not always in control. 5/10
3. Dan Cole
Did his job in the scrum in deteriorating conditions and never made a mistake in the game, but was hardly noticeable. Troubled position for England given Kyle Sinclair's injury concerns. 5/10
4. Maro Itoye
Imperceptibly, really. England needs more of him in every field. Non-destructive, ubiquitous figure of the past. He needs to rediscover his mojo as soon as possible. 4/10
5. Ollie Chessum
The Gateway launched for the first time since March, and it showed. Locke, the leading player of the Six Nations, understandably needs time to return to his best form, which England does not have. 4/10
6. Courtney Lowes (c)
Disaster for the captain on the occasion of his 100th cap. The work ethic could not be shaken, but results and rewards for effort were meager. 5/10
7. Jack Willis
This is the first start of the open side in this warm-up cycle and he looked a little behind the pace. Quiet and suggestive of two words, which are not usually associated with a flanker who barely managed to make a coup. 4/10
8. Ben Earl
One of the few individual positives in August, but on Saturday there was nothing to sing about. Fiji caught himself on the second try and failed to impose his ball handling skills. 4/10
Substitutions — 6/10
Marcus Smith's turn into fullback is gaining momentum and Harlequin immediately makes an impact with a goal from the bench. Marchand, Ludlam and Marler also added effervescence — the first one scored points.
Fiji
15. Ilaisa Droasese 6/10
14. Selesitino Ravutaumada 8/10
13. Vaisea Nayakaleva (j) 7/10
12. Semi Radradra 8/10
11. Vinaya Habosi 7/10
10. Caleb Muntz 6/10
9. Frank Lomany 6/10
1. Eroni Mavi 6/10
2. Sam Matavesi 7/10
3. Luke Taguy 6/10
4. Isoah Nasilasila 6/10
5. Te Ahivaru Chirikidweta 7/10
6. Albert Tuizyu 6/10
7. Lekima Tagitagivalu 8/10
8.Williame Mata 7/10
Substitutions 7/10
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