Fiji v England: Women’s Rugby World Cup – live

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“Kia ora Lee,” shouts out Mandy Roberts, “We’re following your live updates from inside a slightly chilly Eden Park. Ng? mihi!”

While I’m flattered, I really think you should watch the actual game rather than my nonsense.

There are tears aplenty rolling down several Fijian players cheeks in this incredible World Cup debut moment for them. Wonderful stuff.

Here come the teams!

Eden Park welcomes the two sides; Fiji in their traditional white shirts and black shorts and England in their dark change kit.

Anthems now, rugby soon.

I’ve only had a bloody email!

“Hello Lee”, says a sympathatic Gavin Twedily all the way from Montreal, “I’ve just read your preamble and you sounded lonely so I wanted to say hi and let you know you are not alone. I hope you and everyone else enjoys a fine tournament.

“England look favourites, New Zealand and France will be good, but I really hope Canada does well. Bisous de Montreal!”

How lovely of you, Gavin, thankyou. And Canada are in with a decent shot of at least a semi-final.

Pre Match Reading for you…

Why not take in the full rundown of the groups with this masterful guide from Sarah Rendell.

Why not get in touch? It’s very early here in the UK so send the text equivalent of ProPlus my way via the traditional e-mail or the modern tweet @bloodandmud

Senirusi Seruvakula has named a strong team, pulling from the successful Drua side and other Super W teams. Captain Sereima Leweniqila shifts to the second row to partner Asiante Serevi, while teenager Sulita Waisega starts at blindside and Karalaini Naisea is in the captain’s usual Number 8 berth. In the backs, keep your eye on the electric Vitalina Naikore on the wing.

For the Red Roses, Simon Middleton has the luxury of casting his gaze over the most enviable squad list in world rugby, and his selection today reflects the quality at his disposal.

Sarah Hunter will captain the side from the base of the scrum, with the incomparable Emily Scarratt as vice-captain from the outside centre shirt. Ellie Kildunne stays at fullback and Sadia Kabeya claims the open-side flanker position.

The bench should frankly terrify Fiji, and it’s a huge moment for Abby Dow who has managed to recover from an horrific leg injury in the Six Nations to make the replacements today.

FIJI Iris Verebalavu, Vika Maturugu, Siteri Rasolea; Asinate Serevi, Sereima Leweniqila(c); Sulita Waisega, Ema Adivitaloga, Karalaini Naisewa; Lavena Cavuru, Merewalesi Rokouono; Alowesi Nakoci, Rajieli Laqeretabua, Sesenieli Donu, Vitalina Naikore; Roela Radiniyavuni.

Replacements16. Bitila Tawake, 17. Bulou Vasuturaga, 18. Mereoni Vonosere, 19. Merevesi Ofakimalino, 20. Raijieli Daveua, 21. Akosita Ravato, 22. Ana Maria Roqica, 23. Melaia Matanatabu

ENGLANDVickii Cornborough, Amy Cokayne, Sarah Bern; Zoe Aldcroft, Abbie Ward; Alex Matthews, Sadia Kabeya, Sarah Hunter (c); Leanne Infante, Zoe Harrison; Lydia Thompson, Emily Scarratt, Helena Rowland, Claudia MacDonald; Ellie Kildunne.

Replacements16. Connie Powell, 17. Hannah Botterman, 18. Maud Muir, 19. Cath O’Donnell, 20. Poppy Cleall, 21. Lucy Packer, 22. Holly Aitchison, 23. Abby Dow

It’s been a long time coming for this match in more ways that one. The tournament itself is a full year late to arrive due to the spiteful virus, and moreover this is the first meeting between the two sides in the 16 years they have co-existed at international level.

This is also the Fijiana’s first appearance in the big tournament, and while arriving with a hefty assignment to defeat the 25-match unbeaten Red Roses is quite the inaugural task, they are not a team short of ability. A fact ably demonstrated by the Fijiana Drua domestic side’s undefeated season in the Super W this year, where their brand of all park running was brilliant to watch and often devastating for the opposition.

But this England side have been here before. Each time a new and novel challenge presents itself they usually go about their business of dishing out a hammering.

Let’s see if it’s the same today.