England got their 2015 Rugby world Cup off to a winning start after defeating Fiji 35-11 in the opening match at Twickenham, but they will hope that more convincing displays lay in store after nearly letting slip their lead.
A penalty try and a score from Mike Brown saw England rush out to 15-3 lead, but Fijian wing Nemani Nedolo started to grow in impact and he soon took over kicking duties after Ben Volavola made a poor start to the match, both with the ball and from the tee.
Fiji looked to have scored an early contender for try of the World Cup though when scrum-half Nikola Matawala broke away from a scrum on halfway and used every inch of his pace to get away from Jonny May and the covering Brown. But a crucial touch from the full-back just about dislodged the ball from Matawala’s grasps as he dived for the line, and despite referee Jaco Peyper awarding the try, a lengthy TMO period saw the score chalked off.
Read more:
Match report: England 35 Fiji 11
Opening ceremony's asteroid rugby ball gets Twitter talking
England 35 Fiji 11 as it happened
Fiji would not be denied though, and they immediately scored through Nadolo on the other wing as he towered over Anthony Watson to score, shortly before converting a penalty attempt.
Nadolo landed the first points of the second half and suddenly Twickenham alarm bells were ringing with Fiji just one score behind, but Brown would be on hand to finish his second of the night and a try from replacement Billy Vunipola on the stroke of full-time saw England seal the bonus point and a comfortable yet unconvincing start to Pool A.
So how did the players perform? Click on the gallery below to find out.
England 35 Fiji 11 player ratings
To coincide with the Rugby World Cup, The Independent has launched a new app! Live scores, team line-ups, in-game stats and breaking news will ensure you keep on top of the tournament. Use the links below to download the free app...
Android
http://bit.ly/androidrwc2015
