World watches on as England rally against spirited Fiji

England and Fiji came together and displayed passion, pride and spirit in a World Cup opener that showcased to all the very best of what rugby has to offer. [more]

World watches on as England rally against spirited Fiji

England and Fiji came together and displayed passion, pride and spirit in a World Cup opener that showcased to all the very best of what rugby has to offer.

Take a trip down memory lane by following our British & Irish Lions instagram page.

This was a game played out in front of an estimated 450 million viewers, many of whom would have never watched rugby before.

Both sets of players left the field to a rousing applause – England the victors thanks to an inspired Mike Brown, but pushed all the way by a flamboyant Fiji.

Brown sped over in the first-half following a penalty try but Fiji, inspired by hulking flyer Nemani Nadolo, threatened to spoil the occasion for the hosts.

Nadolo crashed over before half-time and, if not for a succession of missed points from the tee, the Pacific Islanders could have turned the game on its head.

George Ford had hit three penalties while replacement and British & Irish Lion Owen Farrell added to his fellow fly-half’s tally with five points of his own, before Brown crossed in the 72nd minute to the relief of Twickenham.

And in the very last action of the game, Saracens No.8 Vunipola – following a referral to the TMO – was shown to have found the whitewash after a short-range carry. In a pool containing Wales and Australia, the try could be priceless in the hunt for top spot.

The 35-11 scoreline may have looked like a comfortable England win but in reality, it was anything but. Fiji will have won many fans the world over, not least thanks to the flair of Nadolo and livewire scrum-half Nikola Matawalu.

Fans are now able to guarantee their place on the 2017 Tour to New Zealand with a fully refundable £250 Priority Access Pass for the official supporter packages. Guarantee your place at the front of the queue when ticket-inclusive travel packages go on sale during the 2015/16 season, and also receive an exclusive invite to meet the Lions Head Coach before they depart for New Zealand. With exclusive access to special events, flights and hotels, it's the genuine Lions experience – click here for more details.
 

Previous story Lions Warburton and Tipuric pair up for Wales
Next story Reaction to an emotional night at Twickenham