Fiji's a threat: Earl

England flanker Benjamin Earl is wary of the Flying Fijians’ physicality as they prepare to face off on Sunday (Fiji time) at Allianz Stadium, England. 

The flanker who scored England’s first try in their, 25-7, win over Australia last weekend told Ruck that Fiji will test them physically. 

The two sides last met at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France where England won, 30-24, however Fiji defeated the English men, 30-22, in August the same year at Twickenham. 

“We know the threats they have all over the pitch with the way they play,” Earl told Ruck.co.uk. 

“It is an individual challenge but it is also… there are not many teams who play the way they do and have threats all over the park. It is definitely a heightened awareness on that.” 

Earl believes that clarity has helped the team make strides since last autumn under defence coach Richard Wigglesworth. 

“It was part of our journey as a team,” he said. 

“Last autumn, the defence wasn’t the only thing that wasn’t quite clicking. We have grown as a team. We have found a way to win. Since Wiggy has taken over, he has been unbelievably clear and direct and forthcoming with how he wants our defence to look. 

“The best defences going back many years have been the most physical. Wiggy has been clear in what he wants from us. But also asking us — there is so much knowledge in the room. We have some of the best defenders in the world in the squad which is just awesome.” 

Physical edge 

Earl understands that physical edge will be essential again this weekend with Fijian players tend to produce some huge hits. 

“I am not asking to experience it,” Earl said with a grin. 

“Whenever anyone says, ‘What is the biggest hit you’ve witnessed,’ it was Tom Curry on Josua Tuisova at the World Cup. The noise that made — I was like, ‘Oh my God.’ It is very rare you think of that on the pitch but it made me stand back and go, ‘That was unbelievable’. That is what it takes playing these guys.” 

Earl who was Player of the Match last weekend could find himself in a new position when they face Fiji. 

He has been mentioned as a possible option at inside centre as Steve Borthwick’s squad deals with injuries and limited cover in midfield. 

“I don’t know if that is going to happen or not,” Earl told the media after last week’s win. 

Consistent performer 

“I am just trying to help the team any way I can in terms of that stuff. We have got a lot of boys now who could do a good job anywhere. Henry (Pollock) could do a very good job on the wing, Ted Hill when he was involved was very, very fast as well. There are a few boys that could do it. It is going to be a strength of our team going forward I think.” 

Earl, who has been one of England’s most consistent performers over the past year, is known for his pace and awareness — qualities that could make him a short-term solution in midfield. 

If asked to step in, Earl says he would not hesitate. 

“I would love it,” Earl said. 

“Just playing for England is the best — any position, waterboy, 12, 7, 8, I am buzzing to be involved. I love being here, love helping out in any way I can. Just being there at the weekend was awesome. How good was Twickenham, how good were the fans and how good were the boys? It was a really good day so keep that going if we can. 

“A good game as a 12 or a 13 and a good game as a back row — it is scary how aligned they are,” he told Ruck. 

“I am thinking best 12s, best 7s, best 8s, they almost all have the same skillset. To namecheck a few, Levani Botia was probably the first of his kind and Andre Esterhuizen now with the Springboks is doing a little bit there. It is going to become the norm, the skillset, the requirements are very much aligned.” 

Earl says that if a switch does happen, he would not try to reinvent himself. 

“It is not up to me where I play, it is not up to me even if I play,” he said. 

“It is up to the boss and the coaches. I am hoping, if I was ever to play 12, he would just want me to be myself and bring what I can bring. The moment you start losing a bit of your self identity and start trying to shoehorn yourself into a different role you lose what you bring.” 

The match kicks off at 5:40am (Fiji time).