England surge past Tonga in Pool C clash

England proved too much for Pacific Islanders, running out convincing 35-3 winners

Manu Tuilagi powered England to a winning start as their World Cup was launched with a 35-3 victory over Tonga but the statement performance sought by Eddie Jones failed to materialise.

Tuilagi plundered two first-half tries at the Sapporo Dome after repeatedly forcing a path through the Islanders’ defence to emerge as the otherwise ragged 2003 champions’ most potent threat.