England hit rock bottom with first-ever defeat by Fiji

LONDON: England slumped to a 30-22 loss against Fiji at Twickenham on Saturday (Aug 26) to record their first-ever defeat by the visitors, leaving them in utter disarray ahead of the World Cup which kicks off next month in France.

England, who had not scored a try through their backs in nearly six hours going into the game, struck early through the recalled Jonny May in the left corner after strong runs by the heavyweight centre pair of Ollie Lawrence and Manu Tuilagi.

But the upbeat mood was short-lived as Fiji then ripped England apart in the middle period of the game, with tries for centre Waisea Nayacalevu and winger Vinaya Habosi as the Pacific Islanders found gaps everywhere they looked.

England as so often in recent games looked more threatening as they emptied the bench and threw caution to the wind, raising questions about their team selection and strategy as substitutes Marcus Smith and Joe Marchant scored late.

But winger Selestino Ravutaumada capped a scintillating display with a swerving run to send replacement Simione Kuruvoli over for the decisive score that sealed their victory and left England looking utterly broken.

"I am so proud of the boys. This win is for all the people back home in Fiji," Ravutaumada said as Fijian supporters gathered in a corner of Twickenham sang and waved their national flags in celebration of their historic win.

England had set their fans' expectations near zero with recent performances, losing four of their last five matches heading into Saturday, conceding an average of four tries per game, rarely scoring and riddled with injuries and suspensions.

With Oasis's 1995 hit Wonderwall blaring out from the stadium speakers and George Ford reprising his role at fly half from when these