England score six first-half tries

England 42 Uruguay 6

England scored six first-half tries – including a quickfire double for Bath wing Iain Balshaw – as they romped into a 42-6 interval lead against Pool C opponents Uruguay.

England, settled by the Lewsey score, began to increase the tempo, and they secured the game through a dazzling Iain Balshaw double burst in two minutes.

The gifted Bath back firstly cut open Uruguay’s defence from 45 metres for a sparkling solo score, then he picked up and wrong-footed Los Teros’ defence through an amazing ghosting run.

Grayson kicked both conversions, and England were out of sight at 28-3 ahead early in the second quarter.

Uruguay had their moments in the set-scrums, and when Moody infringed, Welsh referee Nigel Williams warned that the next England miscreant would be sin-binned.

England found themselves under considerable pressure from six phases of Uruguayan pick-and-drive rugby, but they absorbed the spirited South American effort and were able to break out of their own 22.

Luger then broke clear, only to be called back for a forward pass. England though, struck again on 34 minutes, and once again Balshaw was the catalyst.

Every time England found Balshaw in open space, he caused havoc, and another weaving run mesmerised the Uruguayan defence for Catt to prosper with try number five.

Grayson continued his 100% conversion rate, and approaching the closing stages of a lively opening period, England led 35-3.

Gomarsall added a sixth try before the break, converted by Grayson, and England were well on the way to a landslide win when Williams blew his whistle for half-time after Menchaca slotted his second penalty.