Arundell bags five tries in Chile rout
HENRY ARUNDELL plundered five tries as England overcame a frantic start to dismantle World Cup newcomers Chile 71-0.
Steve Borthwick’s team were rewarded for discarding their unpopular kicking game in favour of all-out attack and, although the strategy resulted in some frenzied early play, upon settling they amassed 11 tries.
Arundell marked his World Cup debut by equalling the England record of five tries scored in a game as he ran riot in perfect conditions at Stade Pierre-Mauroy.
Two-try Marcus Smith shared star billing after providing an extra dimension with the ball in hand from full-back – albeit against a side 22nd in the global rankings.
Apart from brief flourishes Chile were totally outclassed, yet there were still enough fireworks in Smith’s first start at 15 to suggest he is a genuine option in the position for the final group game against Samoa and possibly beyond. Owen Farrell returned from suspension to lead England for the first time at this World Cup, and his 16-point haul leaves him just two short of Jonny Wilkinson’s national record of 1,179.
England went over in the 21st minute when Farrell’s long pass gave Arundell an easy run in.
Theo Dan then supplied Arundell with the easiest of tries after Danny Care’s quick free-kick.
Smith then launched an attack that ended in a try for Bevan Rodd, before the Harlequins fly-half claimed a solo touchdown.
Chile’s scrum was especially vulnerable and, early in the second half, they leaked a second line-out maul try, with Dan touching down.
Arundell completed his hat-trick after Elliot Daly’s kick bounced kindly for him and Smith’s comfort at full-back was clear when he caught a tricky kick with aplomb.
Arundell showed his class for his fourth try which he engineered with a run down the right touchline and chip ahead.
A moment of magic from Smith teed up the Racing 92 wing’s fifth and, when Smith broke from deep from inside his own half, Chile must have been sick of the sight of him.
The move ended with Smith crossing before Jack Willis got England’s final touchdown.
SCORERS – TRIES: Arundell (5), Dan (2), Smith (2), Rodd, Willis. cons: Farrell (8).