Flying Fijians Prepare for Remembrance Match Against England with Historic Momentum
TWICKENHAM, ENGLAND – November 8, 2024 – The Fiji Water Flying Fijians face England this Saturday at Allianz Stadium in Twickenham, a fixture steeped in 50 years of rivalry and marked by a poignant tribute too fallen service members. The match, kicking off at 5.40pm local time, will see both teams wearing jerseys adorned with poppies in observance of Remembrance Day, honouring the sacrifices of military personnel from both nations. A two-minute silence will precede kick-off.
The contest carries particular weight, representing a rematch following Fiji’s historic 30-23 upset victory over England at Twickenham in 2023 – a result that dramatically altered a historical narrative long dominated by English wins. The rivalry began in 1973 at Buckhurst Park in Fiji, with a narrow 13-12 victory for England.Subsequent encounters frequently enough saw close contests on Fijian soil,such as the 25-21 result in 1988,contrasted with significant defeats for fiji at Twickenham,including losses during the 1999 and 2015 Rugby World Cups. The 2023 win marked the first time the teams had met outside of Fiji or Twickenham, at Marseille‘s Stade Vélodrome.
“There’s been a lot of people before us both in Fiji and England that have done an enormous amount of work for the future that we now live in,” Coach Mick Byrne remarked. “we are living now as of the people before us. I think that’s what we should remember. We are celebrating the lives of those who’ve created this opportunity for us to live this life.”
Despite the recent success, statistical analysis from Rugby Pass, World Rugby’s media arm, currently favours England, giving them an 88% chance of victory compared to Fiji’s 11%, with a 1% chance of a draw.
Coach Byrne’s starting lineup features a powerful forward pack anchored by Eroni Mawi, Tevita Ikanivere, and Mesake Doge in the front row. Isoa Nasilasila and Temo Mayanavanua will partner in the second row, with Kitione Salawa and Elia Canakaivata on the flanks and Viliame Mata at number 8.
The backline will be directed by halfback Simione Kuruvoli, alongside fly-half Caleb Muntz. Josua Tuisova and Kalaveti Ravouvou form the center pairing, while Jiuta Wainiqolo and Selestino Ravutaumada will take their places on the wings.
The bench includes Zuriel Togiatama, Haereiti Hetet, samuela Tawake, Mesake Vocevoce, Motikai Murray, Sam Why, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, and Sireli Maqala.
Fans in Fiji can watch a live broadcast of the match on Sky Pacific on Sunday, November 9th, at 5.40am.
