England vs Fiji
England take on Fiji in the third of the quarter finals. The Roses are unbeaten in the tournament but were given a massive scare in their 18-17 win over Samoa in the last match. Fiji on the other hand have suffered two losses in their pool but managed to qualify ahead of Australia, thanks to their better head-to-head record. They were shocked 24-23 by minnows Portugal in their last match and will be looking to bounce back with a shock win. If they do manage to win, they will make history by becoming the first Pacific Island team to make the semi-finals.
TIP: Both teams have made a number of changes for this match but it is England who has taken the unusual step of selecting Marcus Smith at fullback and dropping Freddie Steward. Steward has been one of the few shining lights for the team over the past couple of years. Fiji have dropped Teti Tela from the flyhalf position and have again gone for Vilimoni Botitu. It is a brave decision, considering Botitu has only played two previous matches at ten. The bookies have England as favorites but I’m tipping Fiji for the upset win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 3.80, Gbets 3.85 and Hollywoodbets 3.75
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATS
England vs Fiji
- England have won four of the five matches against Fiji.
- Fiji won the last match against these sides 30-22.
Latest results for both teams
England beat Samoa 18-17 in their last match while Fiji lost 23-24 to Portugal in their last match.
PREDICTION
The English team will be looking to play a tight, set piece orientated game as this is their strength while the Fijians will want an open, running game. The selection of Smith at fullback suggests England are looking to him to play the second playmaker role which could play into the hands of the Fijians. They will look to bombard the fullback with aerial kicks and with the likes of Semi Radradra and Vinaya Habosi on the wings, it could be a torrid time for Smith. Fiji have dropped form after beating the Wallabies and they will need to improve ten-fold if they are to cause an upset. I am predicting a Fiji win by 8 points.
Probable Starting XVs
England
15 Marcus Smith, 14 Jonny May, 13 Joe Marchant, 12 Manu Tuilagi, 11 Elliot Daly, 10 Owen Farrell, 9 Alex Mitchell, 8 Ben Earl, 7 Tom Curry, 6 Courtney Lawes, 5 Ollie Chessum, 4 Maro Itoje, 3 Dan Cole, 2 Jamie George, 1 Ellis Genge
Fiji
15 Ilasaia Droasese, 14 Vinaya Habosi, 13 Waisea Nayacalevu, 12 Josua Tuisova, 11 Semi Radradra, 10 Vilimoni Botitu, 9 Frank Lomani, 8 Viliame Mata, 7 Levani Botia, 6 Lekima Tagitagivalu, 5 Albert Tuisue, 4 Isoa Nasilasila, 3 Luke Tagi, 2 Tavita Ikanivere, 1 Eroni Mawi
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Fiji victory are as follows:
Betway 3.80
Gbets 3.85
Hollywoodbets 3.75
Odds comparison on the Fiji handicap:
The complete odds on the Fiji handicap:
Betway 1.85 (+8.5)
Gbets 1.86 (+8.5)
Hollywoodbets 1.88 (+8.5)
Predictions and Odds in details
There are excellent odds on the Fiji upset win but if you looking for a safety bet then backing them on the handicap is a great idea. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.85 (+8.5), Gbets 1.86 (+8.5) and Hollywoodbets 1.88 (+8.5)
Other tips for the weekend (Predicted winners are in BOLD text)
Bristol Bears vs Leicester Tigers
Wales vs Argentina
Wellington vs Hawkes Bay
Ireland vs New Zealand
France vs South Africa
Fiji vs England
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Sports crazy fan that follows all major sport but the game with the oval ball is my real passion. Was an age level rugby coach and a huge supporter of the Springboks and diehard Liverpool man. I’m an experienced punter and sports writer whose predictions/tips are sure to stir up the emotions. I love the occasional wager on the underdog.
