England v Fiji: Five players looking to impress in World Cup opener
Last Updated: 18/09/15 10:06pm
We look at five players needing a big performance as England face Fiji in the World Cup opener at Twickenham.
Anthony Watson
Anthony Watson's England record is impressive; he's scored five tries under Stuart Lancaster since making his debut against New Zealand during last year's autumn internationals.
Even better news for Lancaster is that four of Watson's five tries came during the World Cup warm-ups, indicating fine form for the Bath winger as the World Cup kicks off at Twickenham.
But Watson will be tested defensively on Friday as he lines up opposite Fiji's main attacking threat, Nemani Nadolo.
Nadolo tore up Super Rugby this year, scoring more tries than Julian Savea despite playing three less games than the All Black, so Watson's job of defending Nadolo is a tough one.
"It's a good opportunity," Watson said. "I've got tremendous respect for him as a player. He's a world-class winger.
"I'm approaching it like I would playing against George North. I'll do my homework on him, try to pick out areas where I can potentially impose my game on him and look at areas where he's particularly strong.
"You're not going to play against wingers the same size as you every weekend. You've got to be able to adapt to the size and strengths and weaknesses of your opposition winger."
Nemani Nadolo
All Black legend Dan Carter calls Nadolo a freak, a quality player who has the size and the skills to beat anyone. And he should know having watched him in action for the Crusaders. In a backline that boasts some man-mountains, Nadolo still stands out. It is not only his imposing physical stature that is impressive but his pace and footwork that has defenders grasping at nothing.
The Crusaders winger has an impressive pedigree boasting Australian internationals Lote Tuqiri and Tevita Kuridrani as his cousins.
With the ability to go round you and through you, Nadolo is one of the best finishers in the game and could well be the superstar of 2015.
England's defence will have to be at their very best as not only is Nadolo a frightening finisher, but his offloads could reap rewards for the likes of full-back Metuisela Talebula, centre Vereniki Goneva and Waisea Nayacalevu.
At 6ft 5in and 120 kg, Nadolo is bound to be compared with Jonah Lomu and Fiji fans will be hoping that Nadolo can do in 2015 what Lomu did to England for New Zealand in 1995.
England fans will be hoping that their defence stands firm, but no matter who you are supporting, prepare to hold your breath whenever Nadolo gets the ball.
Tom Youngs
England's lineout concerns are no secret, but they're bubbling away at just the wrong time.
Ahead of the Ireland game Geoff Parling moved quickly to share the responsibility, insisting the hookers should not be the only ones to shoulder the blame.
In the match against Ireland every lineout throw was successful, but Stuart Barnes was not quite convinced by the stat.
In his column he said: "Ignore those lies, lies and damned statistics. England's line-out record showed an immaculate 14 wins from 14 throws. I reckon half of them were pieces of possession the England scrum-halves would rather not have received."
Adding to the worry for England was the two scrums lost against the head, an area of dominance usually enjoyed by England.
Tom Youngs' influence in the loose is unquestionable; he's one of the world's best in his position, but he will want a far more assured performance in the set piece against Fiji.
Leone Nakarawa
Fiji may have moved towards a more solid set-piece and some structure in recent times, but Leone Nakarawa is proof they haven't yet departed entirely from the free-flowing rugby for which they are famous.
The 27-year-old has been lighting up the stage for Glasgow, winning the PRO12 last year with a man-of-the-match performance against Munster in the final, while in the Champions Cup he made more offloads than any other player with 25.
A former star of the Sevens circuit, the second row's style of play is a good reflection of his background, but he's also prepared to do the dirty work for his side.
Nakarawa has established himself as one of the senior members of the Fiji squad, and his leadership and experience will both be required if Fiji are to knock over the hosts at Twickenham.
Capped 31 times for his country, this is arguably the biggest game of his career.
Ben Morgan
England have one of the better selection headaches at No 8, with Billy Vunipola pushing Ben Morgan hard for a starting berth in this position.
Morgan has been out for a year with an injury picked up in January, but made a big impact when he started against Ireland at Twickenham.
Though he doesn't have much rugby under his belt over the last six months, the Gloucester forward says he is back to where he was before the injury.
"I feel ready to go," said Morgan. "My confidence has gone right up as a result of the half I played against France and then the Ireland game. I'm confident I am back to where I was."
Morgan's job, along with his colleagues in the pack, will be to stop Fiji's backs from getting much ball, and slowing things down at the right times. England will want to set the pace of the game, but they are aware of the threat that awaits them on Friday.
"Anyone would be a fool to underestimate Fiji," said Morgan.