England defeat Fiji 73-8 to end five-match losing streak

England ended a five-match losing streak with a commanding 73-8 victory over Fiji in the Nations Championship on Saturday, July 11, 2026. The match, played in sweltering heat at Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool, saw the English side score eleven tries against a Fijian team that struggled throughout.

The result provided a much-needed respite for head coach Steve Borthwick, whose team had not won a Test since late 2025. England established dominance early, with fly-half Fin Smith orchestrating the attack and scoring 18 points from the tee. The opening try came in bizarre fashion, as a cross-kick from Smith struck the corner flag and sat up in the in-goal area, allowing Marcus Smith to pounce for the score. England led 35-3 at halftime, having already secured the bonus point through further tries from captain Jamie George, debutant flanker Guy Pepper, and center Seb Atkinson.

The second half saw Fiji's discipline unravel. Levani Botia was sent to the sin bin, and scrum-half Simione Kuruvoli was shown a red card for kicking out at England prop Ellis Genge on the ground. Despite a consolation try from Fiji's Tevita Ikanivere, England finished strongly. Winger Immanuel...