Ford to the fore as England beat Samoa 28-9

Monday, 24 November 2014 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

LONDON (Reuters): Three-try England did enough to beat a physical Samoa 28-9 at Twickenham on Saturday, ending a five-game losing run and giving coach Stuart Lancaster food for thought ahead of next week’s tougher test against Australia. Winger Jonny May scored two tries with Mike Brown also crossing the line as England showed some flashes of brilliance, with 21-year-old flyhalf George Ford, in his first start, behind most of them.

Jonny May of England scrambles to the goal line to score a try against Samoa during their international rugby test match at Twickenham in London, November 22, 2014. REUTERS The forwards were as impressive as ever, particularly man of the match Chris Robshaw, the captain’s tally of 21 tackles being almost double any of his team mates. “It feels good, it’s been a long time,” said Lancaster after seeing his side’s first win since the Six Nations. “There are still areas to improve on but there were some real positives, particularly George Ford and Anthony Watson, two young players who did well.” England, sporting a new kit of red shirts and black shorts, seemed unsure what tactics to use in difficult wet conditions in a game scheduled for the evening as a dress rehearsal for the World Cup.