England vs USA: Five things we learned from Rugby World Cup fixture in Kobe

What we learned from another convincing World Cup win for Eddie Jones' England side.

1) England have too much power for unfancied opponents

As against Tonga, England simply had too much brute force for the USA. Two first-half tries came as the result of powerful, driving mauls, and the Americans struggled to contain the hard-hitting forwards they were faced with.

This was not a particularly refined or measured performance from England; it was an assault, a clinical and ruthless display that left the US disorientated and on the back foot from the start.

Young prop David Ainuʻu was forced off early on, which left the Americans’ pack lighter. And they could do little to compete with a determined, forceful England team.

2) Jones vindicated in picking impressive Vunipola

There were suggestions that Jones may choose to rest Billy Vunipola, given the number of games he’s played of late and his recent history of injuries. But he had no intention of leaving out a player who is quickly establishing himself as a key man.

Vunipola powered over the line for the second try of the game and carried and tackled with typical authority. And he was withdrawn after a dominant first-half performance, saved for the tougher tests to come.

The signs are good for England’s number eight, who looks set for a successful World Cup.

Vunipola in action against the USA (AFP/Getty) (AFP/Getty Images)

3) England still lacking a little fluidity

This, like the opening game against Tonga, was an efficient, industrious victory. Jones highlighted the importance of starting fast in the build-up, and that is what England did: George Ford surged into a gap and scored the first try inside six minutes.

For all of England’s dominance, though, there was perhaps a lack of subtlety in attack, a lack of the fluidity that may be required to break through against better opposition. Things improved after the break, though, as the US tired and more spaces appeared.

This was a comfortable, accomplished win, and there are plenty of positives to take from it. But there remains a feeling that there is more to come from this England side.

4) Battling USA won't be easy opposition

They were well beaten here, as many expected, but the US might yet prove a thorn in the side of Pool C’s other fancied teams, France and Argentina.

Gold’s side kept things relatively tight in the first half against England, restricting the favourites well and preventing them from settling into any sort of rhythm.

The US players sing their national anthem prior to kick-off (PA)

Understandably, they struggled to contain England as the game progressed. But the US showed enough to suggest they could at least give France and Argentina a game.

5) Solid defence gives England foundation for success

England , before Bryce Campbell's late effort, had gone 280 minutes of rugby without conceding a try. And the US, for all their hard work, did almost nothing to trouble a supremely disciplined, organised defence. It was a typically structured display from Jones’ side, one that will give them confidence heading into the latter stages of the competition.

Even the best teams, you feel, will find it difficult to score freely against England. There are sterner tests to come, of course – France and Argentina will provide a clearer indication as to where England are at – but their work at the back and without the ball in this tournament thus far has been impressive.