Rugby World Cup: Kevin Sinfield wary of Fiji threat in quarter-final v England - ‘Unbelievable athletes’

Kevin Sinfield is taking nothing for granted heading into England’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final against Fiji on Sunday.

Simon Raiwalui’s side needed only one losing bonus point to book their place in the last eight, and managed just that after a shock 24-23 defeat to Portugal in their last Pool C match.

The result ensured Fiji advanced at the expense of Australia, who failed to advance out of the pool stages for the first time.

Fiji beat England 30-22 in a warm-up match at Twickenham two months ago – a result which defence coach Sinfield cited as a turning point for the England squad.

"They have some outstanding players, a massive breakdown threat, some unbelievable athletes and they play with a really good spirit about them," he told BBC Sport.

"We were all pretty disappointed when we reviewed it properly a few days later and pretty emotional about what had happened and about the month and our preparation and where we were at.

"Although we had a lot of belief and confidence in the squad, we were disappointed it hadn't transferred on to the field.

"Fiji was the game on the screen, but I think it was a much wider message than just Fiji, it was more about us and how we go about our business and some changes we maybe need to make.

"I think I am quite honest, balanced and fair in how I coach and how I review and how I speak to players and my relationship with players, it was just an honest appraisal afterwards, whether that had an effect or not I am not sure."

England head coach Steve Borthwick praised the Pacific Islanders for their discipline so far in this World Cup, after only conceding 35 penalties so far compared to 60 for England.

"It isn't often associated with Fiji, but they have been phenomenal in that area, winning lots of penalties," Borthwick told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"I am going to have to get a greater understanding of the interpretations that were applied on the pitch to certain scenarios. We felt there were a few things there that were slightly confusing.

"That is going to be very important against Fiji because they contest the ball on the floor virtually every breakdown, so we need to understand just exactly how that is going to be officiated."

The winners of Sunday’s match face a tantalising semi-final against either hosts France or reigning champions South Africa.

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