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Best of social as Fiji make history at Twickenham

FijiSimioneKuruvoli1920
Fiji’s first ever win over England sent shockwaves across the globe and social media was awash with praise for Simon Raiwalui’s history-making side.

Fiji’s first ever win over England sent shockwaves across the globe and social media was awash with praise for Simon Raiwalui’s history-making side.

The Flying Fijians lived up to their nickname at Twickenham, soaring to a victory which will live long in the memory while earning the current crop immortal status in their homeland.

Fellow Pacific Islanders Samoa gave Ireland a scare in Dublin, while Scotland were also made to work by Georgia as Italy stormed past Japan.

All roads lead to the World Cup in France but before we say au revoir to the Summer Nations Series, let’s take a look at how the world reacted to an unforgettable day.

FIJI BREAK ENGLAND CURSE

Fiji had failed to beat England in any of their seven meetings prior to Saturday’s encounter, conceding at least 25 points in each game.

But it was the Fijian attack which proved unstoppable on this occasion, with their three second-half tries an exemplary display of pace and power.

They trailed at half-time after Jonny May’s trademark corner score but responded emphatically through Waisea Nayacalevu, Vinaya Habosi and Simione Kuruvoli to move ahead of their hosts in the world rankings.

It was a difficult afternoon for England, but one which began with plenty of cheer and optimism when Courtney Lawes led the side out for his 100th cap.

SAMOA RUN IRELAND CLOSE

Having seen their neighbours get the better of England, Samoa set out to do the same against Ireland a little later in the day and came within a score of toppling the world’s number one ranked side.

While the result did not go Samoa’s way, their performance offered much encouragement ahead of the World Cup.

DUHAN DOUBLE GIVES BUTLER CAUSE TO SMILE

Scotland rounded off their World Cup preparations with a hard-fought victory over Georgia, and they did so in front of an extra special guest at Scottish Gas Murrayfield.

IOANE INSPIRES ITALY PAST JAPAN

The individual star of the day was Monty Ioane as his hat-trick fired Italy past Japan in Treviso.

Having not featured for the Azzurri since November, he has now started each of their last four fixtures, scoring five tries and underlining what he brings to Kieran Crowley’s side.

BIGGAR BIDS FAREWELL

There was some unexpected news from the Wales camp as Dan Biggar announced his decision to retire from international rugby following the World Cup.

It will be a fitting stage for the fly-half to bow out on, having carved his name into Welsh rugby folklore with one iconic kick during the 2015 World Cup.

PENAUD SPARKLES IN FRANCE WIN

And last but by no means least, the latest entrant to the Damian Penaud highlight reel.

If ever there was a try to get you off your seat, it was his chip and chase in France’s 41-19 win over Australia.