England run down spirited Fiji
England were startled by Fiji, but cruised to a comprehensive opening win to kick off their pursuit of a third Rugby World Cup title.
Jaded in the first half, the tournament favourites were emphatic in the second, scoring 10 tries, and they marched to an 84-19 win against a spirited Fijiana side who ran out of steam at
Eden Park yesterday.
On paper, this was an epic mismatch. England, the most professional well-resourced team in the game and the world No 1, against Fiji, the World Cup’s lowest-ranked team (No 21).
At times, Fiji did more than resist, scoring wonderful, skilful tries on the counter-attack through fullback Alowesi Nakoci and midfielder Sesenieli Donu to raise the roof.
England, though, overpowered the tiring Fijians in a one-sided second half for a record-extending 26th successive win with 14 tries, including four for wing Claudia MacDonald.
The big moment
England’s three tries in the first nine minutes of the second half silenced the crowd and eased their nerves with a comfortable buffer on the board. Amy Cokayne’s second, followed by lock Zoe Aldcroft and wing Lydia Thompson’s tries, put the match to bed.
The floodgates opened and the gap between the two sides was clear once England clicked into gear after the break, with further tries for Abby Dow, Leanne Infante and Connie
Powell punishing Fiji’s mistakes and ill-discipline.
Lopsided scores are likely throughout the tournament because the women’s game is still developing. This was a perfect demonstration of that disparity.
MVP
England openside flanker Sadia Kabeya was outstanding and made a magnificent run for Helena Rowland’s brilliant try.
Match rating: 5/10
The first half was pulsating. The second half was not as England asserted their dominance.
The big picture
England face France in
Whangārei on Saturday in the most anticipated match of the pool stage. Fiji will target a win against South Africa at Auckland’s Waitākere Stadium next Sunday.