Fiji Push England but Discipline Costs Flying Fijians in 38–18 Defeat

November 9, 2025

Fiji delivered moments of brilliance and physical dominance but were ultimately undone by ill-discipline as England pulled away late to seal a 38–18 victory in a high-tempo Test match at Allianz Stadium. The visitors trailed by just one point at halftime and won key battles in the contact area, but two yellow cards and England’s ruthless finishing proved decisive.

Fiji Shine Early, Discipline Proves Costly

England struck first through Luke Cowan-Dickie in the sixth minute, but Fiji responded sharply. Captain Tevita Ikanivere powered over in the 10th minute to ignite the visitors, before fly-half Caleb Muntz sliced through for a superb try to give Fiji a 10–7 lead. A Muntz penalty extended the advantage to 13–7 as Fiji’s offloading game and breakdown pressure unsettled the hosts.

However, momentum shifted in the 35th minute when Selestino Ravutaumada was sent to the sin bin. England immediately capitalised, with Immanuel Feyi-Waboso scoring before halftime to push the hosts ahead 14–13.

The second half followed a similar pattern: Fiji threatening, England punishing errors. Pita-Gus Sowakula, on his debut and playing a full 80 minutes, was immense in collisions, while Fiji’s forward pack generated front-foot ball and seven turnovers, more than double England’s tally. Despite the setbacks, Ikanivere crossed for his second try in the 53rd minute, his leadership and work rate placing him firmly among Fiji’s best on the night.

But when Josua Tuisova was yellow-carded in the 59th minute, Fiji were forced to play another 10 minutes of the match with 14 men. England scored 2 of their six tries during that period, from George and Arundell.

Stats Show Fiji’s Promise—and Areas to Sharpen

Fiji demonstrated their trademark flair and physicality throughout the contest:

  • 18 offloads to England’s 4
  • 127 carries compared to England’s 121
  • 7 turnovers won (England 3)
  • 20 missed tackles, slightly more than England’s 18

Fiji created opportunities and frequently pierced England’s defensive line, but the inability to convert pressure, combined with two costly yellow cards, allowed the world No.4 side to escape periods of sustained Fijian dominance.

Post-Match Reflections

Fiji Captain Tevita Ikanivere

The skipper, who scored both of Fiji’s tries, was frank after the match:

“Not the result that we wanted… the discipline we had towards the end, not only the yellow cards but our decision-making, led us down. Our execution and our exits are very important and we’ll work on that next week in France.”

He emphasised the value of facing top-tier teams as Fiji build towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup:

“We wanted a lot of Test matches against tier-one nations and we’re getting it… we’re learning and building.”

England Praise Fiji’s Threat

Opposing captain Ellis Genge admitted Fiji’s unpredictability made them difficult to contain:

“You can’t defend some of that stuff… they lit the stadium up.”

England’s player of the match, Ben Earl, also credited the Fijians:

“It was one of the hardest games I’ve had to play… they’ve got world-class athletes all over the pitch.”

Fiji’s Standouts

Several Fijian players were among the contenders for Player of the Match:

  • Tevita Ikanivere – 2 tries, huge defensive and carrying effort
  • Pita-Gus Sowakula – an outstanding 80-minute debut
  • Kalaveti Ravouvou – constant threat in midfield with 8 tackles and 11 carries

Although the award went to England flanker Ben Earl, Fiji’s top performers stood tall in a fiercely contested Test.

Looking Ahead

The 38–18 scoreline masks how competitive Fiji were for long stretches. Against the world No.4 team, the Flying Fijians, ranked ninth, showed they have the physicality, skill and attacking instinct to challenge elite opponents. As they prepare for next week’s Test against France, the focus will be on discipline, execution under pressure, and turning their strike play into consistent scoreboard pressure.

For now, Fiji leave London with lessons learned, pride in their effort, and confidence that they are building towards something bigger in the international arena.

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ENGLAND 38  FIJI 18

Saturday 8th of November, 2025

Half-time: 14-13

Referee: Paul Williams (New Zealand)

Venue: Allianz Stadium

ENGLAND (1-15): Ellis Genge (captain), Luke Cowan-Dickie, Joe Heyes, Alex Coles, Ollie Chessum, Guy Pepper, Ben Earl, Chandler Cunningham-South, Alex Mitchell, Fin Smith, Immanuel Fehi-Waboso, Fraser Dingwall, Ollie Lawrence, Tommy Freeman, Marcus Smith

Substitutes: Jamie George, Fin Baxter, Asher Opoku-Fordjour, Maro Itoje, Tom Curry, Henry Pollock, Ben Spencer, Henry Arundell

Tries: Cowan-Dickie, Feyi-Waboso, Genge, George, Arundell, Itoje

Conversions: F Smith 4 (4)

FIJI (1-15):Eroni Mawi, Tevita Ikanivere,  Mesake Doge, Isoa Nasilasila,  Temo Mayanavanua,  Pita-Gus Sowakula, Elia Canakaivata, Viliame Mata,  Simi Kuruvoli,  Caleb Muntz, Jiuta Wainiqolo,  Josua Tuisova,  Kalaveti Ravouvou,  Selestino Ravutaumada, Salesi Rayasi

Substitutes: Zuriel Togiatama, Haereiti Hetet, Samuela Tawake, Mesake Vocevoce, Motikiai Murray, Sam Wye, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Sireli Maqala

Tries: Ikanivere (2), Muntz; Pen: Muntz

Events

KO

6min – TRY England Cowan Dickie ; conversion F Smith – 7-0

9min – TRY Fiji Tevita Ikanivere; Conversion (missed) – 7-5

21min – TRY FIJI Caleb Muntz, Conversion (miseed) – 7-10

28min – PEN GOAL  FIJI Caleb Muntz – 7-13

35mins – Y/Card Ravutaumada

37min -TRY England Feyi-Waboso; Conversion F Smith – 14-13

HALF-TIME Englad 14 Fiji 13

49mins – TRY England Genge; Conversion, F Smith  #10; 21-13

53mins – TRY FIJI, Ikanivere; Conversion (missed) – 21-18

59mins – Y/CARD; Josua Tuisova

60mins – TRY England George; Conversion (missed) – 26-18

68mins – TRY England Henry Arundell,  Conversion (missed) – 31-18

75mins – TRY England Maro Itoje, Converion F Smith – 38-18

Full-time  England 38 Fiji 18