England win World Cup opener

Hosts England endured an uncomfortable night before overcoming Fiji in their Rugby World Cup opener at Twickenham.

|||

London - Hosts England endured an uncomfortable night before overcoming dogged Fiji 35-11 in their Rugby World Cup Pool A opener at Twickenham on Friday.

Seeking a second World Cup triumph, England opened up an 18-8 halftime lead through a penalty try and Mike Brown's close-range effort while winger Nemani Nadolo took a high crossfield kick in the corner to get Fiji on the scoreboard.

The Pacific Islanders refused to be over-awed in front of 80 000 partisan fans, frustrating a sometimes ragged England with a succession of turnovers.

Ben Volavola's penalty put Fiji within seven points heading into the final quarter before Brown eased home nerves with his second try and replacement Billy Vunipola crossed again in the last minute.

England next face Wales at Twickenham on Sept. 26 while Fiji head to Cardiff to play Australia on Wednesday.

Summary from the World Cup 1st Round Pool A match between England and Fiji:

England 35 Fiji 11

Half Time: 18-8

Scorers:

England:

Tries: Mike Brown (22, 72),Billy Vunipola (81)

Penalty Try:(13)

Conversions: George Ford (13),Owen Farrell (74, 85)

Penalty Goals: George Ford (3, 34),Owen Farrell (68)

Fiji:

Try: Nemani Nadolo (30)

Penalty Goals: Nemani Nadolo (36),Ben Volavola (64)

Reuters