Three Fijians England Must Fear

The Flying Fijians have already beaten Australia and now has England in their sights. Mail Sport picks out three Fijians for Steve Borthwick's men to fear ahead of Sunday's world cup quarter final. 

Fiji takes on England in the quarterfinals of the Rugby World Cup and have been impressive so far during their campaign, booking their place in the knockout stages with a huge vic­tory against Australia and another against Georgia. 

Simon Raiwalui's side have also already beaten Steve Borthwick's team 30-22 in August, clinching their first ever win against England, running three tries past the 2003 World Cup winners at Twickenham on the eve of the tournament. 

It was an epic victory, but Fiji have continued their fine vein of form, playing some superb running rugby to defeat Eddie Jones' Australia 22-15 in the group stages.  

Despite succumbing to Portugal in their final outing of the group stages, the Pacific Islanders will be a tough opponent for Borthwick's side on Monday (Fiji time).  

And ahead of the quarter-final clash, we picked three Fijian players who England will need to watch out for: 

1.Levani Botia – ‘The Jackaler’

(Flanker)

It is impossible to exaggerate just how freakishly brilliant this flanker is. At La Rochelle, he is worshipped as a cult figure among the fervent supporters of the double European champions. They chant his name at every game as the humble hero, nick­named 'Demolition Man', wreaks havoc for opponents at the break­down. That is his domain.

Having played centre in the past, Botia is a good runner and ball-handler too, but his primary attribute is his ability to poach possession at rucks.

Noone does it better. England is braced for big trouble. 

2.Viliame ‘Bill’ Mata – 'The Offloader'

(No.8)

One of the stereotypical images of Fijian rugby at its best involves a rangy forward storming into contact but then somehow man­aging to release the ball toa team­mate in support.

Leone Nakarawa used to be the benchmark fourth is a particular trick and now Mata, the towering Edinburgh No 8, has taken on the mantle, although he is just one exponent in a team full of classy off-loaders. 

3.Josua  Tuisova - ‘The Bus’

(Centre)

Fiji's 17st 8lb(l13kg) power car­rier in midfield is a formidable weapon of mass destruction.

He is short, squat and strong, as well as explosive, which means he can break tackles and also make monster hits of his own. He is also a major breakdown asset, as his frame makes him hard to shift.

Story By: Nik Simon (Daily Mail) 

Feedback: leonec@fijisun.com.fj