Rugby World Cup: Fiji 19-84 England

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Breaking news

Fiji: (14) 19
Tries: Nakoci, Donu, Cavuru; Cons: Cavuru 2
England: (24) 84
Tries: MacDonald 4, Cokayne 2, Ward, Rowland, Aldcroft, Thompson 2, Dow, Infante, Powell; Cons: Scarratt 5, Harrison 2

Favourites England opened their World Cup with a dominant second-half showing to claim a record 14-try win against debutants Fiji.

Fiji's high-tempo game allowed them to hold England to 24-14 at half-time.

But the Red Roses' professionalism shone as they scored 10 tries after the break and wing Claudia MacDonald took her individual tally to four.

England have never scored more tries or points in a World Cup match and extend their record winning run to 26 Tests.

England's previous highest World Cup score was 82 against Kazakhstan in 2010 and they scored 13 tries against Sweden and Canada in 1998.

Auckland's Eden Park was sold out for the opening day and is expected to be full for the final fixture between hosts New Zealand and Australia, with an attendance of 40,000 set to surpass the record of 20,000 set at the 2014 World Cup.

Earlier on Saturday France - England's closest rivals for the title along with New Zealand - beat South Africa 40-5 at the same venue.

More to follow.

Line-ups

Fiji: Radiniyavuni; Nakoci, Laqeretabua, Donu, Naikore; Rokouono, Cavuru; Verebalavu, Matarugu, Rasolea, Serevi, Leweniqila (capt), Waisega, Adivitaloga, Naisewa.

Replacements: Tawake, Vasuturaga, Namositava, Ofakimalino, Daveua, Ravato, Roqica, Matanatabu.

England: Kildunne; Thompson, Scarratt, Rowland, MacDonald; Harrison, Infante; Cornborough, Cokayne, Bern, Aldcroft, Ward, Matthews, Kabeya, Hunter (capt).

Replacements: Powell, Botterman, Muir, O'Donnell, Cleall, L Packer, Aitchison, Dow.

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