Tom Roebuck and Freddie Steward doubts for Fiji as Steve Borthwick has chance to rotate squad in Quilter Nations Series

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Steve Borthwick may potentially be without both Tom Roebuck and Freddie Steward, who are both doubts for Saturday's Quilter Nations Series Test against Fiji on Saturday, live on TNT Sports and discovery+. Borthwick's side opened the campaign with a 25-7 win over Australia, in which Roebuck starred and Steward played a full 80 minutes at full-back against the Wallabies.

Highlights: England thump Australia to start Quilter Nations Series in style

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England winger Tom Roebuck is a doubt for England's Quilter Nations Series match against Fiji on Saturday, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

The Sale Sharks winger limped out of training on Tuesday with an ankle injury, two days before Steve Borthwick names his squad on Thursday.

Roebuck was involved in two of England's tries in a 25-7 win over the Wallabies in their opening autumn Test.

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It was their eighth victory in a row in what has been a solid 2025, as Borthwick's side hope to close out the year strong.

Full-back Freddie Steward, who played all 80 minutes against The Wallabies, is also a doubt for Saturday's fixture after picking up a hand injury in the closing stages of the match, and has yet to train this week.

With both Steward and Roebuck potentially unavailable, Borthwick can either use Fiji as a chance to experiment with certain players or approach it as a dress rehearsal for The All Blacks the following week.

An experiment that Borthwick may unleash might just see Ben Earl move to the centre.

Earl steams under posts for first try as England make fast start

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If Steward is unavailable, Marcus Smith could be in contention to start after missing out on matchday 22 against Australia.

The Harlequins fly-half spent the majority of his Six Nations minutes this year at 15 after being usurped by Fin Smith at 10, as well as starring in the back-three at the World Cup in 2023, including a quarter-final victory over Fiji.

"He is a world-class full-back," Kevin Sinfield said. "A big part of his inclusion with The Lions, so I am told, was down to the fact he could cover 15, so we have got a world-class 10 there, but we have also got a world-class 15.

"He brings different skill-sets to Fred [Steward] and he is different to a lot of other full-backs worldwide. He can beat people and he can be that second ball-player.

"He has a great kicking game, he is brave. Marcus’ preference, and I understand this, would be to play at 10, but you look across rugby, rugby league, football, there is an understanding that people play out of position from time to time to try and get your best players on the field. They make it work."

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Sinfield also recognised that keeping both Smith and George Ford happy is a challenge as the three fly-halves in the autumn squad.

"But that's how it should be. At this level, there is always someone who is a bit disgruntled or who has a bit of frustration. They are all impatient because they all want the shirt now," the assistant coach added.

"But they are all good men who understand the value of the team. Of course, it is going to take some managing, but they understand that at times they are going to get bad news, and they have to work through it like everyone else."

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The Fiji Test could also bring a first England start for starlet Henry Pollock, who added to his case for inclusion with a blockbuster appearance off the bench against Australia.

After replacing Ben Earl, the Northampton novice admired his own swerve and bleach-blonde hair, as he stepped past Andrew Kellaway for a try that put England 15-7 up.

"He's very confident and absolutely believes in his ability. He's a great guy around the group, he's different, but he brings energy and enthusiasm, and the guy can play," said Sinfield.

"To have all the things he has as a 20-year-old is pretty remarkable. He'll keep striving to get better and better and it won't be long before he gets a start, I'm sure."

Watch and stream every game of the Quilter Nations Series live on TNT Sports and discovery+

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