Corry: English expecting early battles

MARTIN CORRY has predicted “direct and physical” early exchanges when England and Samoa fight for their World Cup lives in Nantes this afternoon (3pm, Setanta Sports, ITV).

Both teams are on the rebound from their worst performances in World Cup history – facts readily acknowledged by rival coaches Brian Ashton and Michael Jones.

If Samoa lose at the Stade de la Beaujoire, they will crash out of World Cup contention, with England then heading towards a pool stage eliminator against Tonga on Friday.