Image source, Getty Images

It was never in doubt, was it? Not really. The video referee checked for a potential obstruction by Michael Shenton in the build-up, but ruled there was no problem. But what an introduction from Daryl Clark. He's a special talent indeed.

Stand-off Gareth Widdop keeps his cool to add the extras. Advantage England.

Daryl Clark - the 2014 Super League Man of Steel - comes on from the bench and within seconds sets up Michael Shenton for the first try. Or is it? We're going to the big man upstairs...

But again England see out the trouble - their sterling defensive effort is the big positive to take from this early storm. Then, Steve McNamara's side find a gap in the Samoan defence. Sam Tomkins sends Kallum Watkins bursting through - but Tomkins' pass is adjudged, rightly, to be forward. The full-back rather fumbled his pass, the bal slipping through his fingers like a greasy bar of soap.

Ian Millward
Former Super League and Australian NRL coach on BBC Two

Image source, Getty Images

"If England can get the arm wrestle, they have a better attack and vision than the Samoans but they haven't been at the right end to score yet. Their defence has been terrific so far though."

Brian Noble
Former Great Britain coach on BBC Two

"England have given themselves a tough start. They are giving Samoa opportunities and whoever the team is at this level, the dam will break."

Samoa quickly switch the play to the left, before Ben Roberts' wayward kick looks to end the set. But England shoot themselves in the foot, Michael Shenton's knock-on giving the Samoans another six....

Uh oh. England's centre Kallum Watkins knocks on inside the 20-metre zone, giving Samoa a golden chance to cap their bright start with the game's opening try.

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Another good break from England as Joe Westerman, in for injured skipper Sean O'Loughlin, finds a gap in the Samoan line. However, the Hull FC man looks for the offload instead of taking the tackle - and loses the ball. Can't do that at international level.

Richard Mathers
Former England full-back on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

"England need to get their backs in the game - and why not when you have Josh Charnley and Ryan Hall. England need to get some momentum with their big backs."

England set up a platform for the first time as the Samoan line looms in front of them. But stand-off Gareth Widdop tries to be too cute, dummying his way into trouble and handing back possession. Better from Steve McNamara's men.

Stand-off Ben Roberts is the man making Samoa tick and his cheeky grubber looks for winger Daniel Vidot. But England full-back Sam Tomkins races across to bravely scoop up the ball and snuff out the danger.

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Ali Mason:, external Huge call to not start the MoS, expect him to come on early & play a big role. Puts big pressure on matty smith to organise the team #bbcrl

Beth Young:, external Up bright and early for the rugby, had my weetabix and all ready for kick off

Ian Millward
Former Super League and Australian NRL coach on BBC Two

"Two contrasting styles already from the teams. England are trying to move to the edges, while Samoa have a more direct approach."

There was plenty of pre-match chat about England's sluggish starts in tournaments - and they're still snoozing in the opening stages. England finally manage to complete a couple of sets, before debutant Joe Westerman concedes another penalty to cheaply hand the ball back to the Samoans.

Image source, @SamBurgess8

Former England forward Sam Burgess on Twitter:, external Up at Suncorp watching the England boys with these two maniacs @itsmejuliebe and @helenmsaunders .... They're screaming the house down #shhhh

Huge sigh of relief for England! It takes a huge defensive effort to keep out Samoa stand-off Ben Roberts on the line. Big let off.

Early test for England as Matty Smith's knock-on gives Samoa the ball in hand. The Pacific Islanders earn another penalty as half-back Kyle Stanley tries to duck and dive under a wall of white.

Adrian Stuart:, external Early morning Rugby League!! Great to have the internationals on BBC. #bbcrl #FourNations

Brian Noble
Former Great Britain coach on BBC Two

"This is going to be some game of 'chicken'. You have to lay down the dominance and both teams will be looking to get on top. Don't give Samoa a leg-up or any field position.

Only the 10 minutes late. Game on!