It was scratchy, sloppy and scattergun at times but England roll into an encounter with New Zealand that will define their November with their winning run still intact. Steve Borthwick and his staff will not necessarily take great heart from an evening against Fiji where more went wrong than right but there can be no greater runway on which to build speed into a collision with the All Blacks than a smooth approach of nine consecutive victories.
Stunned by the Pacific Islanders on Fiji’s last trip to Twickenham, England avoided the ignominy of a repeat defeat that would have dispirited their autumn. A few of those exiting Allianz Stadium at the end many have still felt a degree of frustration, and perhaps familiarity, England’s bench again to the fore to put a hard-fought contest beyond doubt. Word, too, must be extended to Fiji, who have made such strides. If not yet consistently conquering the so-called Tier One nations then they are giving them more than just a fright on a regular basis – a kinder look from lady luck and this game might have turned out differently.
