England have claimed an 18-8 lead in the first half of their meeting with Fiji in the World Cup opener at Twickenham.
After a long build-up, it was England who coped with the nerves the better as Fiji fly-half Ben Volavola failed to collect a kick under no pressure to gift an opportunity to the hosts, who got the better of the next decision in the scrum as George Ford converted with a penalty to score the first points of the tournament in just the third minute.
© Getty Images
A frustrating start for Fiji and Volavola continued when he missed the chance to pull his side level with a penalty which clipped the outside of the post from the left.
England's passionate fans were involved in the game from the first whistle and there were jeers from all over the ground when Dominiko Waqaniburotu appeared to dump Jonny May to the ground in dangerous fashion, but frustration soon turned to delight for the hosts as they used the scrum to push Fiji back, before the referee awarded a penalty try for an illegal contribution from Nikola Matawalu, who walked to the sin bin as Ford converted to make it 10-0.
Stuart Lancaster continued to enjoy what he was seeing from his side, and a moment of brilliance from Geoff Parling to intercept a long lineout throw set up the chance for England to extend their advantage as they moved the ball quickly to the left, where Jonathan Joseph's clever touch pass allowed Mike Brown to charge through the gap for the try.
© Getty Images
Ford was unable to split the posts on his latest attempt, but there was no doubt who the momentum was with as England enjoyed a slice of luck when a replay proved that the returning Matawalu had spilled the ball just as he looked set to score the try in the corner.
However, Fiji persisted and were rewarded as they switched play from the scrum which followed to find Nemani Nadolo, who caught a cross-field kick under pressure from Anthony Watson in the air, but the conversion attempt was missed.
Ford was soon back on target with a penalty to extend England's lead to 13, before Nadolo hit back with one of his own to ensure that Fiji remain in touch after an entertaining opening 45 minutes.
Callum Mulvihill
