With the match still on the line, British and Irish Lions duo Henry Pollock and Tom Curry stood with their hands on their hips, waiting to enter the test arena.
A whole front row of fellow Lions Jamie George, Fin Baxter and Asher Opoku-Fordjour were also ready for battle.
England’s five forwards took to the field in the 54th minute as Steve Borthwick attempted to take the game away from his stubborn opponents.
The score at that time was 21-18.
As in last week’s win against Australia, the England bench proved the difference, bringing new levels of energy and experience as England pulled away from a tired Fiji to win 38-18.
Replacement flanker Henry Arundell, celebrating his 23rd birthday, also made a telling impact on his return to international rugby after two years.
Starting behind the halfway line, the Bath midfielder accelerated past two Fijian defenders and teammate Marcus Smith, who kicked the ball, to score a stunning try.
That passage of the game summed up the star quality and X factor on the Borthwick bench, and the tough competition for places.
“We have several players with pace on the edges and on the flanks,” Borthwick said.
“These are exactly the tough decisions you want as a head coach.”
Captain Maro Itoje also scored from the bench, as did former England captain Jamie George.
Last week against the Wallabies, 20-year-old substitute Pollock collected the ball with one hand to score a memorable try that confirmed England’s dominance.
“We have seen in test matches that the margins are very small,” Borthwick added.
“It’s about understanding the physical condition of the players for the 80 minutes and the impact of the bench.
“This, along with composure and resilience, are important components.”
England have won nine consecutive matches; The last time he enjoyed a longer streak was an 18-match streak between 2015 and 2017, during which he won his last Grand Slam.
Their current run dates back to their defeat in the opening match of this year’s Six Nations in Ireland.
Having lost so many Tests by wide margins in the final quarter of last year, England’s strength and depth are now showing.
Fin Smith returned at fly-half against Fiji with his namesake Marcus Smith, another Lions tourist and fly-half, at full-back.
Both players needed to seize the opportunity as George Ford was still believed to be the favorite to face the All Blacks.
Fin Smith, who admitted he was disappointed with his form on the Lions’ tour, controlled the attack well and played the full 80 minutes to demonstrate his ability to overcome difficult moments in games.
Marcus Smith’s eye for opening up spaces helped Arundell reach his moment of glory, with his kicks behind Fiji regularly used to good effect, but doubts remain over his quality as a full-back.
“This team has come under some criticism in close games, especially during my reign as captain. [in 2024]”George told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“We had composure and clarity in the meeting where I thought Fin Smith led very well.
“When you bring in players like Tom Curry and Maro, that kind of experience in the pre-huddle is invaluable.
“It’s all been part of the process, it’s all been part of the journey. We’re still in the first part of the curve to become the team we want to be.
“We have the ultimate goal of winning the World Cup, but at the same time we are aware that we need to be a significantly better team to achieve it.”
The Borthwick team will face a dangerous New Zealand team next Saturday, against whom they narrowly lost last autumn.
Scott Robertson’s side also used their bench to defeat Scotland late on, after substitute Damian McKenzie’s goal proved vital.
“They’re going to come here expecting to win and we’re looking forward to testing ourselves against them,” Borthwick said.
