England are looking to make it two wins out of two in their autumn internationals when they face Fiji on Saturday evening (5.40pm).
England head coach has made many changes to the side that beat Australia last week but there is plenty of standout talent within his starting XV.
TIBS News profiles five players to look out for at Allianz Stadium Twickenham and how their skills would translate to other sports too.
1) Marcus Smith – The showman returns
When Marcus is smiling, Twickenham’s smiling.
The Harlequin magician is back in the starting line-up, not at 10, but at full-back. Think prime Neymar in rugby boots: unpredictable, dazzling, and occasionally infuriating, but pure box office.
Watch for: Electric counter-attacks, slick footwork, and that grin when something outrageous comes off. Borthwick knows charisma counts, Smith’s the main-eventer England can build a brand around. More flair, more drama, more fans in seats watching electrifying rugby.
2) Fin Smith – The NEW franchise player
England’s next playmaker or just another hype cycle?
Fin finally gets ‘his turn at the wheel’. No George Ford in the matchday squad, it’s Fin’s time to shine, unlike John Boyega in Star Wars Episode 7. Calm, clinical, and as organised as Pep Guardiola’s tactics board, he’s ready to prove he’s not a passer-by. Believe me, the Northampton Saints and England fly-half has a cutting edge about him, with one eye on starting the New Zealand match next weekend.
Watch for: Kicking precision, tempo control, and those silent, assassin-style assists to Tommy Freeman. Deadshot.
3) Ollie Lawrence – The powerhouse returns
‘Back from injury. Built like a superhero. Ready to smash walls (and defenders).’
After months out, Lawrence is back at 13 and looks hungry. We’re here for the line breaks, collision dominance, and thunderous carries that lift the crowd. Every team needs a tank. England just got theirs back. First big hit on Fiji’s midfield? Expect instant TikTok edits with ‘Return of the Mack.’
4) Alex Coles – The underdog storyline
‘From background player to breakout star.’
While big names rest, Coles keeps his spot at lock, that’s Borthwick’s way of saying, ‘I see you.’
He’s England’s version of a Premier League academy kid finally getting a start under the lights.
Watch for: Tireless graft, quiet confidence, and line-out dominance. The mid-card hero getting his shot at the intercontinental belt.
5) Ellis Genge – The enforcer captain
‘If Borthwick’s the boss, Genge is the one doing the shouting backstage.’
With regular captain Maro Itoje benched, Genge leads the team. Expect leadership, bite, and probably a quote you can’t print.
He’s rugby’s Wayne Rooney meets Triple H: raw passion and full conviction. Massive scrums, aggressive carries, and rallying calls that could wake the North Stand. Genge’s authenticity is gold, dealing with social issues and community issues off the pitch, demonstrates why he’s the kind of captain fans can trust, and rely upon, as Maro Itoje starts from the sidelines. Instant impact incoming.
Final whistle: Rugby’s entertainers era
England aren’t just chasing wins, they’re chasing moments. The Twickenham (now Allianz Stadium) crowd wants connection, flair, and storylines, not just spreadsheets and scrum stats. Make an impact.
