England sneak narrow win over superb Samoa

A sluggish England outlasted a bruising, brilliant Samoa performance to head to the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals with a full house of Pool D wins.

However, his team's credentials as possible contenders for the title will have been badly dented as they were pushed all the way by a team whose only previous tournament win came against Chile.

The underdogs led 17-8 going into the second half and could have been further clear, seeing a third try ruled out for the faintest of knock-ons.

Samoa could yet have snatched a sucker-punch victory as they swept upfield only to spill forward five metres short in the penultimate play of the game.

More to follow.

England: Steward; Marchant, Tuilagi, Farrell (capt), May; Ford, Mitchell; Genge, George, Cole, Itoje, Chessum, Lawes, Curry, Earl.

Replacements: Dan, Marler, Sinckler, Martin, Vunipola, Care, Smith, Lawrence.

Samoa: Paia'aua; Ah Wong, Manu, Toala, Fomai; Sopoaga, Taumateine; Jordan Lay, Malolo, Alaalatoa, Slade, Alainu'u'ese, McFarland, Lee, Luatua.

Replacements: Lam, James Lay, Alo-Emile, Fa'aso'o, Motuga, Matavao, Lealiifano, Fai'ilagi.