World Cup Daily - September 18 preview

Total Sport previews day one of the 2015 Rugby World Cup, as England host Fiji at Twickenham, with our daily digest...

Today at the World Cup

It’s finally here. England and Fiji meet at Twickenham in the opening match of the 2015 Rugby World Cup. There’s a host of locally-based players involved, with Swindon-born Jonny May and Salisbury’s Mike Brown starting for England. This is the first meeting between the countries since 2012 and England have never ever lost against the Pacific islanders in five encounters.

Who to watch

We’re all well aware of who to keep an eye on in a red shirt (yes, red, as England are technically the away side this evening). So what about Fiji. Well, Nemani Nandolo boasts electric pace and terrific power in the three-quarters. Brad Barritt and Jonathan Joseph will have to keep him quiet early on to stop the Fijians sensing any chance of an upset. Gloucester fans know a thing or too about the Fiji captain, Akapusi Qera, who has the potential to be devastating from the back row.

Where to watch

Gascoyne Place (1 Sawclose, BA1 1EY): The bar has installed a private screening room on our first floor. The room comes equipped with HD projector and 6 foot screen and surround sound. The room will comfortably hold up to 25 people seated. Packages for all size of group which includes beer, wines, pub classic meals and buffet deals. 

For a full rundown of where to watch the Rugby World Cup in Bath, click here.

When to watch

England vs Fiji kicks off at 8pm, with live coverage on ITV1. The opening ceremony is due to start at 6.45pm. Radio coverage can be found on BBC Radio Five Live.

World Cup meal

A simple two-course delight. Start with Kokodo – a raw Mahi-mahi fish dish with a dressing called ‘Miti’, which is basically coconut cream, lemon and lime juice, salt and chilies. Recipe here.

For our main, we’re going to give up on the kitchen and pop down to the Great Western Fryer for a generous helping of cod, chips and mushy peas, all washed down with traditional Fijian Kava. No, not a misprint. Kava is made from an indigenous plant to Fiji and it’s not very nice, apparently. There’s also a set method to drinking the stuff, which goes as follows, according to About Travel: “When it is your turn to drink, you should clap once, accept the bowl and drink it in a single gulp, and then clap again and say ‘Bula!’ As you hand back the (bowl), you clap three times as everyone joins in.”

Predictions

It’d be improper not to go for an England victory, and we’re plumping for an England victory by 25 points (yep, we’re really that confident). You can have even money on the handicap market with Bet365 on that, if you fancy a flutter.

Or you could just enjoy the rugby.