BEN Westwood plans to shed the scrum cap for the bone-crunching challenge expected against physical Fiji at Hull’s KC Stadium on Saturday.

It caused a problem for the Warrington Wolves forward against Ireland, not that it affected his performance.

“I was dubious about wearing it but for the sake of one week and protecting the nasty cut I got on my head the week before, it did a good job,” he said.

“In the warm-up I couldn’t hear much with it on so we cut the ears out and once I’d got my first touch of the ball in the game I forgot about it and got on with it.”

The 32-year-old has been utilised in his favoured second-row position, at loose forward and prop during the campaign and is pleased with his and the team’s progress.

“I do feel we’re growing and that’s what you’ve got to do with week-to-week rugby,” he said.

“We’ve got three games out of the way, including the warm-up, and we’re starting to gel.

“As for me, my fitness is ok and it feels like I’m coming into a bit of form.”

An England win against Fiji would hand them France or Samoa at Wigan in the quarter finals, while a loss would bring them to Warrington against one of those two nations.

But Westwood is not getting ahead of himself, saying: “Fiji are a strong side with strong and experienced players. It’ll be a tough physical game.”