England U21s off to flying start

England got their IRB Under-21 World Championship campaign off to a bright start with a 34-8 win over Fiji.

Newcastle fly-half Toby Flood, playing at inside centre, was England's stand-out player, scoring 19 points.

His converted try, after two penalties, gave England a 13-5 interval lead and further tries from Anthony Allen, Paul Diggin and Jordan Crane sealed the win.

Coach Jim Mallinder said: "It was a very difficult game. Fiji were big and skilful. We had to work hard to win."

He added: "In the end it was pleasing to get a bonus point but we will have to improve for our next difficult game against New Zealand."

Scotland led Australia 14-0 at the break and were 14-13 up late on, thanks to a Ross Rennie try and three penalties from captain David Blair.

Friday's results:
England U21 34-8 Fiji U21
Italy U21 16-75 New Zealand U21
Wales U21 73-25 Georgia U21
Australia U21 18-14 Scotland U21
Ireland U21 8-26 France U21
South Africa U21 20-16 Argentina U21

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England U21 team: Mike Brown (Harlequins), Topsy Ojo (London Irish), Matt Cornwell (Leicester, captain), Toby Flood (Newcastle), Paul Diggin (Northampton), Ryan Lamb (Gloucester), Danny Care (Leeds); David Wilson (Newcastle), Rob Webber (Wasps), Rob Webber (Wasps), Tom Ryder (Saracens), Tom Croft (Leicester), James Haskell (Wasps), Chris Robshaw (Harlequins), Jordan Crane (Leeds).
Replacements: Chris Brooker (Bath), Mark Lambert (Harlequins), Richard Blaze (Worcester), Ian Grieve (Bristol), Anthony Allen (Gloucester), Ryan Davis (Bath), Uche Odouza (Worcester).