Two tries apiece from Jonny May, Ben Youngs and Jamie George set England on course for a comfortable win; Adam Radwan, Maro Itoje, Marcus Smith, Jamie Blamire and Alex Mitchell also got over; Tonga had two men sin-binned and Viliame Fine sent off
By Marc Bazeley at Twickenham
Last Updated: 06/11/21 5:29pm
England shrugged off the Covid-enforced absence of captain Owen Farrell to kick off the Autumn Nations Series with a comfortable 69-3 victory over Tonga at Twickenham.
The hosts were firmly in control at half-time, leading 29-3 on the back of tries from Adam Radwan, Jamie George, Jonny May, Maro Itoje and Ben Youngs, while Tonga’s only points of the half came from the boot of captain Sonatane Takulua.
Tonga, beaten 60-14 by Scotland last weekend, were not helped by having wingers Solomone Kata and Walter Fifita sin-binned either side of half-time, with both Youngs, May and George adding to their respective try tallies after the break.
Marcus Smith, the fly-half touted as one of the stars of England’s next generation, capped a fine second-half cameo with a try and four conversions, while Jamie Blamire and debutant Alex Mitchell got over late on as well. Tonga, meanwhile, finished with 14 men after Viliame Fine was sent off for foul play.
More to follow…