Rugby Union:England roar to victory as David Beckham watches on

Farrell and rival fly-half Nicolas Sanchez exchanged early penalty blows before England turned up the heat and power to cross for their first try.

A first attempt to bulldoze their way over the Pumas’ line failed but another fierce pack charge ended with Launchbury dropping to the ground to take the plaudits.

Saracens centre Marcello Bosch nailed a long-range penalty for the visitors to reduce the England lead as the Argentinian scrum proved its strength.

Ashton failed to finish off a try-scoring chance when he was tackled trying to force his way over the line. He was held up by fellow wing Juan Imhoff unable to ground the ball.

Twelvetrees showed much more strength, determination and guile to power his way across the Pumas’ line. Despite being tackled by three rivals he still managed to get the ball down.

Farrell converted and England had gained quick and impressive control of a match they wanted to win with style and skill to give them confidence before the arrival of the All Blacks to Twickenham.

The Pumas were already wilting as Ashton raced on to a pass and burst over the line with no defender in sight. It was all too easy but the troubled wing will not mind as it was just what he needed with his place in jeopardy.

Ashton had managed just two tries in his previous 17 matches and has been under pressure to prove he still has the ability to score tries on the big stage.

If Christian Wade had not been injured in training during the week Ashton may have found himself on the bench.

But he took his chance to shine and will now have to keep his fingers crossed he faces the All Blacks.

Ashton said: “I can’t influence team selection and I know Christian is banging on the door for a chance.

“So I have to just train hard and wait to see what Stuart says for next week.”

England failed to spark in the second half as two Sanchez penalties reduced their lead.

Farrell missed penalties and England could not dominate as much. Replacement flanker Morgan finally broke through for the fourth try, two minutes from time to finish the job.

Boss Lancaster said: “There were positives and negatives. We will need to put together a total 80-minute performance against the All Blacks but the lads did that last year and can do it again.”

Article source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/24508387

Rugby Union:England roar to victory as David Beckham watches on