England have now won nine straight games – the last time they enjoyed a longer streak was an 18-game run from 2015 to 2017 during which they won their last Grand Slam.
Having lost so many Tests by fine margins in the final quarter last year, England’s strength and depth is now showing.
Fin Smith was back at fly-half against Fiji with his namesake Marcus Smith, another Lions tourist and fly-half, at full-back in a much-changed side.
Both Smiths needed to grasp the opportunity with George Ford still believed to be the front-runner to start at fly-half against the All Blacks and Freddie Steward set to return from injury to contest the full-back position.
Fin Smith, who admitted he was disappointed by his form on the Lions tour, controlled the attack well and played the entire 80 minutes to prove his ability to come through sticky moments in games.
Marcus Smith’s eye for a gap helped Arundell to his moment of glory, with his grubber kicking behind Fiji used regularly to good affect, but doubts still remain about his quality at full-back.
“This team has come under a bit of criticism in tight games, certainly under my reign as captain [in 2024],” George told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“We had composure and clarity in the huddle where I thought Fin Smith led really well.
“When you’re bringing on the likes of Tom Curry and Maro, that sort of experience in the huddle is invaluable.
“It’s all been part of the process. We’re still on the early part of the curve of becoming the team we want to be.
“We do have an end goal of winning the World Cup but at the same time we are aware we need to be a significantly better team in order to do that.”
Next Saturday, Borthwick’s side face a dangerous New Zealand team, who they lost narrowly against three times in 2024.
Scott Robertson’s side also used their bench to defeat Scotland late on after a score by replacement Damian McKenzie proved vital.
“We look forward to it. Can’t wait,” said Ellis Genge, who captained England for the third time before Itoje’s arrival off the bench.
“It will be a battle of attrition. In years gone by they’ve been known for chucking the ball about but they’ve got some big physical lumps in there now, so we’ll relish that.”
