Martin Johnson's long-awaited first game in charge of England showed clear indications that a new era for English rugby is imminent as they ran out 39-13 victors over a resolute Pacific Islanders side. Danny Cipriani registered 19 of England's 39 points, while winger Paul Sackey crossed for two tries and debutant Nick Kennedy also crossed for a touch-down, while another debutant, Delon Armitage, was named man of the match.
The home side got things underway when a well-executed chip and chase by Armitage allowed the World Cup finalists to win their first penalty which Cipriani sent between the uprights. Twickenham was then brought to its feet when England ran in a beautifully-worked 14th-minute try by Paul Sackey.
Scrum-half Danny Care made the initial break with his offload in the tackle allowing openside Tom Rees to keep the move flowing by finding Cipriani. New caps Flutey and Armitage, who had burst into the line, combined before an inside pass from the London Irish back found an unmarked Sackey.
Cipriani kicked the conversion but then endured a calamitous spell that resulted in a try for the Islanders with his clearance being easily charged down by Seru Rabeni, who gathered the ball and strolled over for a simple try that was improved by Hola. Test rookie Care appeared to have put England further ahead in the 27th minute when he hacked the ball up field only lose control at the crucial moment with the TMO correctly ruling out the try.
England were on the receiving end of some trademark ferocious tackling by the ever-physical Polynesians, but their superior set-piece was starting to take its toll. Several powerful scrums close to the whitewash were concluded when the visitors strayed off-side, and Cipriani kicked his second penalty.
The Wasps fly-half then rounded off a stunning break from Monye in the 37th minute as England surged further ahead. Care once again started the move. But it was the speed and strength of Monye that made the try, the Harlequins winger breaking a tackle as he burst into space. Swerving inside and out, he spotted Cipriani on his inside shoulder - and the 20-year-old had an easy run to the line before then converting his own try.
Sackey, eager not be outshone by England's exciting new arrivals in the back three, set off on a fine run shortly after the restart to help establish a strong field position. England won a line-out, and a training-ground move saw the ball flipped to the highly-impressive Care - who darted clear of the packs and fed Kennedy for his side's third try. Cipriani converted to maintain his 100% record so far in the match, moving England 27-10 ahead.
A long-range penalty by substitute Seremaia Bai reduced the deficit - but at 27-13 heading into the final quarter, a comeback seemed unlikely. Johnson emptied his bench, taking some of the impetus out of the match, but England remained in full control.
A poor clearance fell into the arms of Armitage, who paved the way for England's fourth try. The Exiles winger returned the ball with interest - and after some quick recycling, it popped up to Lee Mears who side-stepped his way over the line from the midfield. Cipriani converted.
Sackey appeared to have crossed the line with five minutes to go but was taken out by a flying clothesline from Semisi Naevo, who was sin-binned for the outrageous tackle. But after several replays, the TMO decided Sackey had subsequently managed to ground the ball - giving England their fifth and final try.
