This was little more than a training run for England, one in which they executed things slickly and with purpose.
In that regard they can be satisfied with their evening’s work, 10 tries is a decent return in anybody’s book, a bonus point secured and the prospect of a quarter-final place tantalising close. They will be through if Argentina fail to beat Scotland on Sunday.
Uplifting as the performance might be for England fans, there was a sadness in the hearts of those who would like to see the second tier nations being given a fair crack. Romania, with 11 changes, had their sights set firmly on what will be their World Cup final when they play Georgia next Wednesday. These four-day turnarounds have really taken their toll with some scorelines that embarrassingly blown out this week.
England though had been looking for a more polished display and they got it. Their attacking game had been faltering, interaction between backs and forwards fractured. The fact that the backs scored nine of the tries tells you all you need to know about the quality of the ball. It was fast and decisive.
Mark Cueto made a welcome bow in the tournament with his rat-a-tat hat-trick in the first 26 minutes, the Sale wing showing that he had fully shaken off the back injury which has delayed his entrance in the tournament. Cueto’s work rate has always been admirable but his finishing has tailed off. The three tries were all well taken, Cueto being in the right place at the right time.
Chris Ashton, inevitably perhaps, couldn’t allow anyone to steal his limelight and he showed a true finisher’s instinct. He has been searching for a bit of form himself so this was good to see also.
And what of the ill discipline that so annoyed Martin Johnson last week? Well, England were not without blemish, dropping back into old errant habits when a little bit of pressure came on but there was at least some sign of improvement.
England didn’t allow themselves to get too loose and overeager even though it was obvious that Romania were there for the taking. Often in games like this individuals can go glory hunting but there was a refreshing sense of England playing as a team.
Five tries were scored in either half indicating that they were determined to keep their shape and keep their pedal to the floor.
The wings did well, of course, the fly-halves shared a half each, and performed as one would expect, reliably so in all phases. The scrummage had the occasional creak but there were sound performances from Alex Corbisiero, Tom Croft and, albeit occasionally ragged at the base, from James Haskell.
England are moving through the gears, all too aware that Scotland at Eden Park next Saturday will be a tougher test all together.
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