đŸ”— Share this article The English Team Earns Ninth Straight Victory Against Physical Fijian Side Quilter Nations Series England (14) 38 Tries: Cowan-Dickie, Feyi-Waboso, Genge, George, Arundell, Itoje Cons: F Smith 5 Fiji (13) 18 Tries: Ikanivere 2, Muntz Pen: Muntz The English squad scored four tries after halftime to defeat a physical Fiji side in their latest autumn international. The victory extends Steve Borthwick's side's undefeated streak to nine games and follows up their win over Australia last Saturday. England opened the scoring through Luke Cowan-Dickie before Fiji responded with scores by Tevita Ikanivere and Muntz. Fly-half the Fijian playmaker failed to convert either try but slotted a penalty goal to take the Fijians further clear before Feyi-Waboso crossed. Prop Genge and Ikanivere then exchanged tries to ignite an exciting final forty minutes. Substitutes Jamie George and Arundell, who displayed his scintillating pace, finished off tries to take the English side into a comfortable lead. Those scores came around Fijian halfback Kuruvoli spilling the ball when going for the tryline. England captain Itoje, who also came off the bench, scored the last touchdown. The English team now face New Zealand next Saturday in their biggest challenge theoretically this autumn. Fiji Begin Strongly to Challenge England Before this encounter, the English team had won eight of their nine games with Fiji – most lately taking a close contest in the last eight of the last global tournament. That one defeat came just weeks before the competition in Europe and was a major turning point under the head coach. With the Pacific Islanders on a five-game streak – their joint longest run since 1999 – the fixture was always likely to be competitive. Following smooth attacking phases, number eight Cunningham-South made good ground before the hooker barged over for the opening score from close range, with Ikanivere's try off the back of a driving maul providing a quick response. Nicknamed the Flying Fijians, that was evident in defence through monstrous opening period midfield hits, with number fifteen Smith, used as a second playmaker, in particular targeted. But it was the classic attacking Fijian flare that was the highlight in the opening half as passes out of the tackle cut England's defence open for Muntz to score. The winger sharply finished a kick across the field by Smith to take England into the lead after he had been illegally challenged in the air by Selestino Ravutaumada, who was awarded a sin-binning following a bunker review. England's Star Bench Shines Once More The English team broke clear from Australia the previous weekend in the final quarter through the impact of their replacements that included multiple Lions tourists. A significantly altered starting lineup from the win over the Wallabies did score the next try as the prop went over following a strong carry by Lawrence, who was returning to the national side after tearing his Achilles versus the Italians in March. However, after a smart set piece was finished by the Fijian, Borthwick unloaded five of his bench on the 54-minute mark – including Lions tourists Pollock and Curry. With the game still in the balance, Fijian number nine Kuruvoli fumbled of the ball when reaching for the tryline to negate replacement the hooker's score. Breakdown specialist Earl, who scored against the Wallabies, produced a stunning game-saving stop to maintain breathing room between the teams. It topped off another all-round impressive display by Earl, who picked up back-to-back player-of-the-match awards. The substitute's speed to race on to a kick through showcased exactly why England's bench is so influential. It is full of top players and quality, which has aided in wins in the closing stages that were squandered versus the Wallabies and New Zealand the previous fall. Given the Scottish side pushed the All Blacks hard, Borthwick's side will feel confident of making a big statement this weekend. Should they win, the bench will likely play another key factor. Line-ups England: M Smith; Freeman, Lawrence, Dingwall, Feyi-Waboso; F Smith, Mitchell; Genge, Cowan-Dickie, Heyes, Coles, Chessum, Pepper, Earl, Cunningham-South Replacements: George, Baxter, Opoku-Fordjour, Itoje, T Curry, Pollock, Spencer, Arundell Fiji: Rayasi; Ravutaumada, Ravouvou, Tuisova, Wainiqolo; Muntz, Kuruvoli; Mawi, Ikanivere, Doge, Nasilasila, Mayanavanua, Sowakula, Canakaivata, Mata Replacements: Togiatama, Hetet, Tawake, Vocevoce, Murray, Wye, Armstrong-Ravula, Maqala Sin-bin: Ravutaumada Refereeing Team Referee: Paul Williams (New Zealand) Assistant referee: Luc Ramos (France) and Katsuki Furuse (Japan) Television match official: Mike Adamson (Scotland)