Rugby World Cup 2015: Stuart Lancaster after England 35 Fiji 11

Former England hooker Brian Moore slammed television match official (TMO) Shaun Veldsman for the length of time he took to make decisions in the Rugby World Cup curtain-raiser.

It may have had a fraction of the budget of the London 2012 Olympics, but the short service included a mix of music, celebrity, fireworks and lights to provide a memorable start to the tournament.

With Twickenham packed full to the rafters with English fans and just a smattering of Fijian’s the atmosphere was electric. Only two teams qualify from the Pool of Death.

“It was our errors, some critical penalties, some critical turnovers allowed England to come back into the game”.

Fiji thought they’d reduced their 15-0 deficit just minutes later, as scrum-half Nikola Matawalu touched down under pressure from Brown.

But Fiji, putting pressure on England’s scrum, did have a try a minute later on the half-hour mark when giant wing Nemani Nadolo leapt high over opposing England flyer Anthony Watson to grab Ben Volovola’s hanging kick.

Nadolo blotted his copybook with two missed penalty attempts but Fiji’s intent was rewarded when Volavola slotted one to reduce the deficit to seven points with 16 minutes remaining.

“He lifted the team by the scruff of the neck in the second half”.

England scored four tries to one and led Fiji 18-8 at half-time, but the scoreline flatters Stuart Lancaster’s side, with Fiji having a try ruled out and missing several kickable penalties. Those promising signs were few and far between and the overall performance from England was often very sloppy in possession.

England scored four tries in the game, netting them the bonus point, to cap off a good start to the tournament for the hosts.

“Brownie was excellent. His ability to beat the first defender is a great trait and he inspires the team, he plays, with such courage, pace and power”, said Lancaster. “I’m sure Fiji will say something about that against Australia and Wales as well”. The Fijians showed they can move the ball quickly and can hit on the counter attack.

Brown made a splitting run late in the match, where Burgess received the ball after backing up in support – before the code-hopping star returned the favour with a neat offload which almost put Brown over for his hat-trick try.