Twickenham witnessed a world first. For the first time in men’s 15s history, Fiji beat England at rugby.

With no more matches ahead of the opening round of the Rugby World Cup in France, England limp towards a showdown with Pool D rivals Argentina off the back of losses to Wales, Ireland and now the flying Fijians, who conquered London with a 30-22 victory. It was one of rugby’s “I was there,” moments and arguably one of England’s worst.

After a rain-ruined first half, Fiji cut loose in the second, with tries from Waisea Nayacalevu, Vinaya Habosi, and Simione Kuruvoli. However, fly-half Caleb Muntz deserves huge credit for his three conversions and three penalties. And Selesitino Ravutaumada – who was named player of the match for his display – was electric from 14 for Fiji.

He created a try for Nayacalevu in the first half that was then chopped off for a forward pass. No matter, in the second, he laid on another score for his centre and captain after bamboozling Jonny May with his footwork.

England did come back with tries from substitute Marcus Smith and Joe Marchant, to make take them within a point of Fiji, at 22-23. But then Ravutaumada created the score for Kuruvoli.

After the match Ravutaumada told the team on Amazon Prime’s coverage: “I am so proud of the boys, this win is for all the people back home in Fiji.”

There are two weeks until the huge match-up with Argentina. The question is: after seeing Fiji beat England, is this the lowest the Chariot has ever swung? There’s not long to turn things around for them. That first match of the World Cup takes place at the Stade Vélodrome in Marseille, on Saturday 9 September.

Fiji will now bounce into their pool with Australia, Georgia, Portugal, and Wales.

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