With the scores at 18-8 and 18 minutes remaining at Twickenham, Nemani Nadolo was presented with an eminently kickable penalty from about 35 yards to reduce the deficit.
Fiji were on top against a nervous-looking and traditionally regimented England side which had lost its shape and structure.
Up stepped the giant winger and with a powerful swing on his left boot whipped his penalty wide of the upright not dissimilar to Roberto Carlos on one of his off-days.
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It was Fiji’s fourth missed kick of the match and from thereon in, the hosts took control via their greater bench strength and fitness.
The 24-point deficit may have been a poor reflection on the balance of the match but at the same time still represented just how far Fiji are behind the leading nations, even when performing at that level.
Because for all their consistency at breaking over the gainline, swift off-loads and unorthodox running lines, added to a pack that set out to spoil, they simply have no idea how to win games of this stature. And it’s no surprise when you consider that while this group of players have been together for the best part of 18 months, of their 13 matches during that time only three have been against tier one nations – Italy, Wales and France.
As confounding as it was for the English to take on such an unstructured and fearless side, it was even more of a culture shock for Fiji.
Technically and physically there was little to separate the sides, it’s discipline and game management where the divide becomes a chasm. Attributes that can only be acquired through experience.
As sensational as Japan’s victory over South African on Saturday was, so far it has been the exception to the rule. And the likes of the Brave Blossoms, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga and the USA (whose economic potential could see an improvement), will never be able to consistently compete with the very best until opposition of England’s magnitude becomes a regular occurrence.
Finance dictates otherwise, as there is little monetary gain for the top unions either playing games in Fiji or welcoming them on tours. While, on a slightly different level, nothing exhibits Fiji’s difficulties more than the story of Wasps No8 Nathan Hughes who has preferred to sit out this World Cup and wait to qualify for England, than play for the country of his birth.
World Rugby are determined to grow the game beyond the established elite and in the case of Argentina and Italy that has been a success, while the days of scorelines with 100-point deficits are hopefully in the past. But for a truly global tournament, greater help is needed for the progression of the so-called smaller nations.
