England are no longer overlooking the obvious. If they fail to regain their momentum swiftly, their Rugby World Cup campaign will come to a sudden end on Sunday, and the aftermath is likely to be uncomfortable. However, if they overwhelm Fiji in the quarterfinals, fans both at home and abroad may finally start to view them differently.
The desire to prove their critics wrong has become a significant factor following a scrappy 18-17 victory against Samoa that raised more questions than it answered. “We are happy to take on the role of public enemy number one,” said Billy Vunipola, as he sought to export a fierce Millwall-style defiance to the south of France after learning that Fiji was fast becoming everyone’s second-favorite team.
Vunipola, a potential starter if England wants to bring additional physicality to the match on Sunday, was referring to the prevalent belief that England is in the weaker half of the draw and will struggle to defeat the winners of the heavyweight quarterfinal matches between Ireland v New Zealand and France v South Africa.
The number eight acknowledges that the squad understands the stakes – “If you don’t win this week, you go home, plain and simple” – but even their most loyal supporters have been questioning England’s predominantly risk-free game plan and lack of attacking fluency. Though one must be cautious not to overstate the situation with the phrase “no one likes us, we don’t care,” another subpar performance would complicate the post-World Cup rebuilding process.
Given that England lost to Fiji at Twickenham in late August, there are no guarantees of progressing further unless they can match up against the outstanding Levani Botia at the breakdown. Botia is unrivaled when it comes to jackling for both his country and his club, La Rochelle, and Vunipola is fully aware of the challenge ahead. “If we are even slightly off, they are one of the biggest threats around the breakdown in world rugby.”
The assignment of France’s Mathieu Raynal as referee adds intrigue, particularly because he also officiated England’s pool game against Argentina when Tom Curry received a red card. England successfully overcame that setback by neutralizing the threat of Julián Montoya and others. Richard Wigglesworth, England’s attack coach, emphasizes that the contact area will once again be crucial. “Fiji tends to compete first and then adapt their strategy from there. They slow down the game or try to take the ball away from you. It will be a significant aspect of the game because it is undeniably one of their strengths.”
Curry, now back in England’s back row, asserts that his team is a transformed side since the defeat to Fiji and more than capable of overcoming any negative perceptions surrounding the squad. “Once the whistle blows, everything else fades away. We experienced it in the first game against Argentina, with the boos and everything. You looked around, and the guys were smiling. It’s an exciting time. It doesn’t matter if people like us or not. Where else would you rather be? They may have improved, but I believe we have as well. We’ll find out.”
Wigglesworth has also defended his former Saracens teammate Owen Farrell, who had a challenging evening against Samoa. There have been no indications that Farrell will be replaced as fly-half against Fiji, and Wigglesworth has dispelled any remaining doubts. “He’s a winner. Under the most intense pressure and in the biggest moments, he tends to excel and have a positive impact on those around him. We know what is said about Owen. He is England’s highest-ever points-scorer, consistently delivers, and yet, for some reason, these players often face the most criticism. We have one of the best, and we are fortunate to have him. He will undoubtedly make a significant impact this week and in this game.”
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