Arundell‘s Birthday Try Seals Victory as England Overcome Fiji in Autumn Nations Series Opener
TWICKENHAM, ENGLAND – Henry Arundell marked his 23rd birthday with a dazzling try, helping England defeat a resilient Fiji 30-24 in their Autumn Nations Series opener on Saturday. The victory, secured with a late try from Maro Itoje, wasn’t without challenge as Fiji demonstrated their growing competitiveness on the international stage.
England established an early led, with Ellis Genge’s 49th-minute try – the reward for a sustained attack – extending their advantage to 21-13. However, Fiji, bolstered by a strong Super Rugby contingent within their pack, refused to yield. Hooker Sam Ikanivere scored his second try of the match following a clever lineout maneuver.
Fiji’s momentum was hampered by a yellow card for Josua Tuisova and the continued struggles of fly-half Caleb Muntz with conversions. A potential game-changing try for Fiji, a brilliant 50-meter team effort, was disallowed due to a marginal knock-on by scrum-half Frank Kuruvoli – a call contested by Fiji coach Mick Byrne.
Arundell, playing in the French top 14 and thus unavailable for England selection for the past 18 months, showcased his explosive pace, collecting a Marcus Smith kick to score and ignite the home crowd. Itoje then added a sixth try for England, solidifying the result.
England will now turn their attention to a tougher test against the All Blacks in the coming weeks.
