England v Fiji - Rugby World Cup

1. Result: England 35-11 Fiji
2. Penalty, 2 Brown & B Vunipola tries for England
3. Nadolo try for Fiji
4. Bonus-point win for England

Goodbye

It's time to form a huddle, reflect on our performances and set our sights on the next task in front of us, which is live coverage for Tonga's Pool C opener against Georgia.

Ireland, South Africa, France and Italy are also in action There'll be more of the same from us from 11:00 BST. 

Until then why not read our chief sports writer Tom Fordyce's take on tonight's match by clicking here. Thanks as always for joining us. Until the morrow... 

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Former Wales flanker Martyn Williams has his say...

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What the papers will say

"Golden Brown," says the Daily Telegraph, referring to two-try full-back Mike Brown and his headline-making performance. 

Daily Telegraph

What the papers will say

We've mentioned impressing the other half over breakfast with some stats, but what will the back pages look like in the morning? "Roar of the roses," hails The Times of England's victory. 

The Times

Stat attack

We have mentioned Mike Brown a lot and there's a reason for that because he led the way in so many ways, an example is the 'defenders beaten' category.  

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All-time low for Fiji

Fiji threatened during the match and it might come as a surprise to learn that the 11 points they registered was their lowest total against England.

On the other side of the coin, England have won all six of their Test matches against Fiji, each by a margin greater than 12 points. Take those stats and impress the other half over breakfast, or maybe use them to gain a significant other. Stats are the new poetry. 

'There were some nerves'

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England coach Stuart Lancaster, speaking to BBC Radio 5 live: "It was a big occasion and there were a few nerves. We got a good lead but didn't put the nail in the coffin. 

"We had to work hard and that last try late in the game was a massive relief. I don't think we were ever going to be on the end of a hiding at 18-11 but it was nervy. 

"We didn't get our game plan into action. We have to be more direct, we were a little bit lateral. Our bench made us much quicker. But overall it was a big game to play and if you'd have offered me a four-try bonus I'd have taken it. We definitely have some decisions to make, we have two days to dwell on that. We'll watch the game again, meet on Sunday and narrow down our selection next week."

Happy as Harry

Prince Harry of, erm, Wales, celebrates those late England tries. The Duke of Cambridge, the vice Royal Patron of the Welsh Rugby Union, rooted in his seat as everyone else loses their composure. I'm saying nothing. 

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Stats of the match

It's the scoreboard that matters, but the match stats also tell a story. 

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'We knew our fitness would tell'

England hooker Tom Youngs, speaking to BBC Radio 5 live: "I think we'll take the outcome but we're disappointed with some of the performances. 

"We didn't do the simple things and got dragged into a different style of play. Our fitness showed late on and we got ourselves back into the game. 

"We were aware of the Fijian talent and flair and didn't want to let them get too close. We knew our fitness would tell."

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'There need to be changes'

Matt Dawson

2003 World Cup winner on BBC Radio 5 live

"I think there will have to be changes for Wales. There isn't time to give people a run in the side and let them get into games under their belt."

England extend winning run

What does victory mean? Stuart Lancaster’s men have now won their last eight at Twickenham, their best run of form since - whisper it - winning 22 on the bounce at home prior to the start of the 2003 World Cup.

'Bonus point might be crucial'

England captain Chris Robshaw, speaking to BBC Radio 5 live: "The bonus point might be hugely important. We knew it would come down to the last five or 10 minutes because Fiji were hard to break down. 

"With the emotion of the opening ceremony and the nerves now we're into it, the opening game can be edgy and you have to give a lot of credit to Fiji, we knew it was going to be tough."

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'They put us under pressure'

England captain Chris Robshaw is talking to ITV Sport: "We always knew it was going to come down to the last five to 10 minutes. We were a little bit cagey at the beginning, made a couple of errors, but I think that was all due to the emotion, the opening of the World Cup. 

"To get five points is a fantastic start. We always knew how well Fiji had been playing, they're eighth or ninth in the world. They're an extremely talented side and put us under a lot of pressure at times."

'We showed good character'

England wing Jonny May speaking to ITV Sport: "We went out and established a hold on the game but some loose play saw us lose control, but we showed good character to get back in and score four tries. 

"I feel frustrated because when we played the way we wanted to we could have won a lot better than that. However, it's a banana skin out of the way so we'll take the positives. 

"I thought the substitutes brought impact and added positivity and we managed to finished the job. We can take a deep breath now and we're into the tournament."

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England 35-11 Fiji

It was a bonus-point victory, but England will know they will need to improve before next week's match with Wales. Had Fiji not squandered four kicks at goal who knows how the final 10 minutes would have swung, but that's all ifs, buts and maybes now. 

England 35-11 Fiji

Andrew Mehrtens

Former New Zealand fly-half on BBC Radio 5 live

"England were a team that lacked fluidity and spontaneity but the guys who came off the bench really gave them that. They brought energy and played simple rugby."

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England 35-11 Fiji

Matt Dawson

2003 World Cup winner

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"England eventually wore Fiji down and it wasn't the walk in the park they expected. There are some selection issues, but they got the job done in the end."

Brown sparkles

If there's champagne to be drunk tonight then Mike Brown should be allowed to pop the cork and guzzle the majority of the bubbles. The England full-back scored two tries and topped most of the charts: most metres made (172m); most clean breaks (4); most carries crossed gain line (7). 

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England 35-11 Fiji

Matt Dawson

2003 World Cup winner on BBC Radio 5 live

"It's one of the those you just want to get over it so the jitters have gone. All the things England's players have been thinking about playing in a World Cup can be forgotten. You could see the relief to the players. Now it's about relaxing, getting into the tournament and more tougher opponents."

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How was England's game plan?

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Try - Billy Vunipola (Eng); Farrell con

Jonny May is stopped in his tracks, but Billy Vunipola is in support and the forward wriggles under Fijian bodies to score in the dying seconds. But we must wait for confirmation from the TMO... Referee Jaco Peyper is smiling, and eventually - eventually - the try is awarded. That's a bonus point for the hosts. Oh, and victory of course. Owen Farrell with the successful conversion to bump up the score. 

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England 28-11 Fiji

Mike Brown is nearly through under the posts but he's tap tackled... Jonny May is then held up... it's a mad dash to the line in stoppage time...

England 28-11 Fiji

Richard Wigglesworth finds his half-back partner Owen Farrell, but it's all a tad slow for the hosts... Sam Burgess brilliantly offloads to Tom Wood who charges through into the Fiji 22...

England 28-11 Fiji

Victory is England's, but can they squeeze one more chance to score that fourth try and gain a bonus point?

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Stat attack

This graphic shows the scrums won (green) and lost (red) by England. They've lost a worrying two out of seven.

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England 28-11 Fiji

The Twickenham faithfull in full voice... the ball loose, but Chris Robshaw ensures the ball comes back on the reds' side. England recycling...through the phases they go, but Fiji's defence rush out and Jonathan Joseph cedes possession. 

England 28-11 Fiji

Just under five minutes to go. Richard Wigglesworth patiently waiting for the forwards to form a legal scrum just inside England's half...

Stat attack

Mike Brown has been prominent in every aspect of play for his team. After 73 minutes, Mike Brown's match stats...

Tries: 2

Metres: 143

Carries: 11

Defenders beaten: 3

Clean breaks: 2

Passes: 5

Matt Dawson

2003 World Cup winner on 5 live

"How many times do we say 'Mike Brown has broken the first tackle'? And what a great supporting line from Sam Burgess, what you might call a classic rugby league supporting line."

England 28-11 Fiji

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Fijian legs tiring... Mike Brown burst downfield... dancing feet, evading tackles.. Sam Burgess is there in support allowing the move to gather momentum... into the Fijian 22 the hosts go... but England lose possession at a critical moment and it's a Fiji scrum... Breathless stuff. 

Try - Brown (Eng); Farrell conv

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Fabulous from Brown. Owen Farrell the architect, a delightful offload from the replacement outside-half, Jonny May then pops the ball up from the floor and the supporting Mike Brown gathers and touches down near the corner flag. Owen Farrell continues his 100% record, through the sticks with the conversion. 

Stat attack

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England 21-11 Fiji

England form a maul after a perfect line-out, but the visitors turn over ball - their 10th turnover of the night - and fleet-footedscrum-half Nikola Matawalu attempts to set his backs in motion...

Penalty - Farrell (Eng)

Just over 10 minutes to go and the men in red upping the ante, bursting into opposition territory, and the Fijian defence is caught offside, replacement Peceli Yato rashly kicking the ball at the breakdown,  which presents Owen Farrell with a chance. It's his first kick of the match - and his first three points of the tournament. 

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Matt Dawson

2003 World Cup winner on 5 live

"Unfortunately I'm going to have to say Burgess bought the dummy from Nadolo there before going through Billy Vunipola. I think they both thought they were covering each other."  

Penalty - Volavola (Fiji)

Fiji have missed four kicks at goal so far... they cannot afford to mess this one up if they are to have hopes of snatching victory. 

England caught offside, Sam Burgess falling for Nemani Nadolo's dummy. The winger passes responsibility on to his outside-half and Ben Volavola hits it true and through the middle. 

They couldn't could they? 

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Replacement

A couple of substitutions to tell you about as Owen Farrell replaces George Ford and Sam Burgess comes on for Brad Barritt. 

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Missed penalty

Fiji have advantage... Ben Volavola with the cross-field kick, but the visitors not getting anywhere so Nemani Nadolo has a chance to reduce the arrears. But he screws his effort wide. He should have booted that one. England off the hook. 

England 18-8 Fiji

...Not as ruthless as they should be. Richard Wigglesworth, at the bottom of the ruck, is penalised for holding on to the ball. I say holding on, he was hiding the ball from Fijian hands with his legs and that gives Ben Volavola a chance to find touch and give his team a breather. 

England 18-8 Fiji

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England on the attack... Anthony Watson with a shuffle of the hips in the middle of the field.. little gained... captain Chris Robshaw does more damage, bursting through tackles... The hosts inside the enemy 22... Mike Brown at the breakdown... holds on to a slipping ball... how ruthless are the hosts? 

Matt Dawson

2003 World Cup winner on 5 live

"You've got to win the game first, once you start playing expansive rugby you allow Fiji into the game. You can't start playing expansive rugby until you're out of sight of your opponents."

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England 18-8 Fiji

Nemani Nadolo with an opportunity to extend his stride, but the eagle-eyed Joe Launchbury is there to cover and guides the big wing into touch. A sniff of a chance for the beguiling winger.

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England 18-8 Fiji

England win their own line-out on the edge of the English 22, but a sloppy pass from scrum-half Nikola Matawalu loses them territory and England turn defence into attack... Jonny May pumping and snorting down the left... he kicks ahead... Fiji alert...

Stat attack

England captain Chris Robshaw is leading by example. His nine tackles so far is the most from anyone on his side. The captain needs to calm his troops, however. Dan Cole seeing red mist as he's slapped in the face. 

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England 18-8 Fiji

Lock Joe Launchbury removes his tracksuit top, takes a swig from his water bottle. The lock is part of a quadruple substitution. On come prop Mako and number eight Billy Vunipola, and scrum-half Richard Wigglesworth. The sound of 'Swing Low' echoing around the famous arena... 

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Andrew Mehrtens

Former New Zealand fly-half on 5 live

"I worry that pretty soon players will start getting yellow-carded for running with aggression or making contact with an opponent."

England 18-8 Fiji

Referee Jaco Peyper calls the TMO into action again. Tom Wood is penalised for a high tackle, the back-rower Leone Nakarawa to the ground by the scruff of the neck. A pressure-relieving touch finder for the visitors. 

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Andrew Mehrtens

Former New Zealand fly-half on 5 live

"The England forwards won't like that option by George Ford, they do all that work and then they go and kick it away. It just wasn't on."

Paul Grayson

Former England fly-half on 5 live

"There wasn't a huge amount of contact from Brad Barritt there, when Fiji were awarded the penalty, and in different circumstances, what with referees being asked to crack down on simulation, that could have been a yellow card for Lovobalavu."

Stat attack

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Missed penalty - Nadolo

The referee's whistle blows... Brad Barritt caught obstructing. But the Englishman is handed a reprieve as Nemani Nadolo scuffs his kick. 

England 18-8 Fiji

A needless error from Nemani Nadolo, kicking out on the full and that is a gift wrapped line-out for England a few steps outside the Fiji 22... 

The hosts win it... they rumble forward... but Fiji's defence is made of the toughest teak. Brad Barritt penalised for failing to stay on his feet at the ruck. 

Stat attack

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Tom Wood made a few metres with that drive, but here's who made the most metres in the first half. Not often you see a scrum-half running the furthest, it's normally a full-back or winger.

England 18-8 Fiji

England recycling the ball nicely on the outskirts of the Fijian 22... Tom Wood making yards, a shuffle from Tom Youngs... but the Pacific Islanders are guiding the hosts towards the right touchline and the canny men in white earn themselves a scrum a few yards outside their own 22. 

Kick-off

George Ford gets the second half started and into the Fijian 22 the ball sails...

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England need to create some more width for Watson and May, otherwise Fiji's strength in contact will give them an advantage. England need territory and space.

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England's rucking success

England are doing well in the rucks. The green diamonds represent a ruck won, the red ones a ruck lost. So that's only two rucks lost by the hosts in the opening 40 minutes.

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'Atmosphere punctured by TMO'

Tom Fordyce

Chief sports writer at Twickenham

"Difficult conditions early on, but England will be looking for more precision in the second half - their scrum looked vulnerable at times in the first period, and Ben Youngs endured an uncomfortable first half hour. And an atmosphere that was bouncing at the start has been punctured somewhat by frequent recourse to the TMO. Nerves and patterns to settle as the contest wears on."

Fiji's star man?

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For those of you who like such information, Fiji scrum-half Nikola Matawalu (64m) made the most meters in that half - and he so very nearly scored a spectacular try. We all thought he had, before replays showed the Bath-bound number nine had knocked on while trying to ground the ball. 

But has he been his team's star performer? He was sin binned, after all, and tight-head Campese Ma'afu has been incredible in the scrum, while winning two turnovers during that opening 40 minutes. 

Possession

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So in the possession graphic England are attacking to the right. Fiji have had slightly more of the possession, but the hosts have had the better of the territory and hold a 10-point lead going into the second half.

Matt Dawson

2003 World Cup winner on 5 live

"There will be a calmness in the England changing room, there won't be much shouting and screaming, but deep down the coaches will be frustrated. You've got to get yourself into the tournament. They got a lead but didn't keep doing the same thing. They needed a more pragmatic approach to just to get themselves to 60 minutes 15-20 ahead."

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100 tries

An historic milestone in the opening match of the World Cup. Plenty of other things for Lancaster and his men to talk about during the break however, like handling and the scrum. 

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Half-time

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Missed penalty - Ford (Eng)

Fiji give George Ford a chance seconds before half-time after failing to let go of Jonny May. Not enough oomph from the outside-half, though, and his long-range attempt falls short. 

England 18-8 Fiji

The visitors turn down the opportunity to aim for the posts, quickly they take a penalty... they look dangerous but Ben Youngs saves the day. Big hitting... Fiji go forward again. Gabiriele Lovobalavu with the grubber... heart in mouth time for Mike Brown as he watches the ball bobble over the line, but he gathers safely.

Andrew Mehrtens

Former New Zealand fly-half on 5 live

"What's noticeable is that England are not looking at the Fijian defensive line when they've got the ball, they're looking around at each other wondering what to do. I'd like to see more spontaneity in attack."

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England 18-8 Fiji

England have enjoyed 57% of the possession, but their handling and scrummaging has had its problems. Fiji sniping and darting forward... the visitors inside the England 22...

Penalty - Nadolo (Fiji)

A scrappy couple of stop-start minutes and the referee's whistle blows once more, this time to award a penalty to Fiji. Who will take it? The left-footed Nemani Nadolo steps up... and through the middle it goes. Sweet and delicate from the big man. England's lead reduced to 10 points. 

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Stat attack

England's leading performers so far...

Metres: 51 - Mike Brown.

Carries: 6 - Mike Brown.

Tackles: 4 - Tom Youngs, Dan Cole and Courtney Lawes

Penalty - Ford (Eng)

The England scrum a worry for Stuart Lancaster and his team. According to our 5 live friends it's Campese Ma'afu who is causing the damage. But on the next set-piece the hosts are solid and still and it eventually leads to an England penalty. George Ford in front of the posts. A routine penalty for the outside-half. 

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Andrew Mehrtens

Former New Zealand fly-half on BBC Radio 5 live

"What a kick from Volavola. He hasn't had a great night so far but that was pinpoint. Not only has Nadolo scored a try, he may well have squashed Anthony Watson. But what happened to the English scrum over on the other touch-line?"

Try - Nadolo (Fiji); missed conv

And can Fiji now celebrate? Ben Volavola with the cross-kick for giant wing Nemani Nadolo and there's no stopping a 20-stone wide man with the speed of a panther. He gathers, he places the ball down. Try. But Volavoloa misses a difficult touchline conversion. 

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Disallowed try

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The scrum has been a plus for Fiji and it's a honeyed platform for Nikola Matawalu who has the footwork of a salsa dancer and zig-zags from the halfway line... and over the line he goes despite Mike Brown and Jonny May trying to drag him down. 

But was it a try? No! No! No! The electric scrum-half knocked on while trying to place the ball to ground. Scrum England 5m from their line. My, oh my. 

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England 15-0 Fiji

The good news for Fiji is that scrum-half Nikola Matawalu is back on the pitch after serving his time. But ball is refusing to stick to Fijian hand... The offloading not working for the Pacific Islanders. 

Jonathan Joseph nearly intercepts Waisea Nayacalevu's inside pass, but the ball is a fraction out of his reach. Oof. 

Andrew Mehrtens

Former New Zealand fly-half on BBC Radio 5 live

"Mike Brown did well there. He looked like he wanted to give it to Johnny May, as he did earlier, but took the gap instead. They looked like they might butcher it but they finally got some good hands going out wide, Fiji were one back short, all squeezed in, and got caught napping on the outside."

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Try - Mike Brown; Ford missed con

Ruthless from the men in red. Fiji butcher their line-out, going for the long one... England steal possession... quickly and clinically they go wide and there's no stopping Mike Brown from 5m out. George Ford with a tricky touchline conversion and the Bath man is wide, wide, wide.

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England 10-0 Fiji

A solid platform for the English backline... Ben Youngs spins it wide, eventually the ball finds Anthony Watson but the winger is forcibly ejected into touch  by Waisea Nayacalevu.

Paul Grayson

Former England fly-half on BBC Radio 5 live

"There has been an evolution under Fiji head coach John McKee. In the past this sin-bin might have cost them 18 points, but they're a more pragmatic team now. They've played pick and go rugby around the fringes, changed direction and kicked for territory."

England 10-0 Fiji

Mike Brown makes amends for his error by sweeping up the bouncing ball in his own 22. Moments later, though, and the TMO is called into action again and it's deemed lock Apisalome Ratuniyarawa did not use his arms as he charged into the ruck. Penalty England and the hosts have a line-out in the opposition 22. 

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Stat attack

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Here's a fact for you: England have now scored a try in each of their last six Rugby World Cup games, their best such run in the tournament.

But errors creeping into the English game at the moment - Mike Brown booting directly into touch to give the underdogs a reprieve. 

England 10-0 Fiji

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The sound of 'Swing Low' reverberates around the stadium as the home fans encourage their side to score some more. Mike Brown snipes down the right... England retaining possession in the Fijian half... but Courtney Lawes loses the ball in contact and that's the end of that. 

Matt Dawson

2003 World Cup winner on BBC Radio 5 live

"The whole England team have looked very composed so far - strategically, tactically - and they're winning the territory battle."

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Matt Dawson

2003 World Cup winner on BBC Radio 5 live

"What was good about that call, whether it was right or wrong, it that it set the scene for the rest of the tournament. That was not a sin-bin offence and we want the best players on the pitch."

Penalty try (Eng; Conv Ford)

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Penalty try to England! It's all happening. Dominiko Waqaniburotu is allowed to stay on the pitch for a dodgy tackle on Jonny May, but from the resultant line-out England push, shove and drive and the referee Jaco Peyper awards a penalty try as Fijians try to bring it down illegally. Scrum-half Nikola Matawalu receives a yellow card for his illegal effort. Fiji down to 14 men. George Ford converts. Phew. 

Stat attack

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In the first 10 minutes of the match, England's Ben Youngs had made seven passes, but his 14 team-mates had only made five passes between them.

Another line-out for England deep in the Fijian half, but the visitors steal the ball... there's a knock-on, an iffy tackle... the referees looking at the replay

Paul Grayson

Former England fly-half on BBC Radio 5 live

"Everyone is feeling his way into the game, there is still a level of nerves. Both defences are taking chances and stepping in to take their man, so if both teams look to go outside there's a little bit of space."

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England 3-0 Fiji

England have a line-out in enemy territory - Gabiriele Lovobalavu sliding into touch as he chases the grubber. Geoff Parling a trusty gatherer, but it's all a touch messy and disjointed at the moment. Nerves perhaps getting the better of both teams. 

Matt Dawson

2003 World Cup winner

Reuters

"I fancied Watson to have a bit more of a dart there, having stolen the ball from Nadolo, but he gave it inside quite early."

England 3-0 Fiji

England on the up! Anthony Watson gets the better of Nemani Nadolo as they both jump for the high ball... anticipation levels rise as England spin it left... but a promising move comes to nothing as England are penalised for holding on in the tackle. An error-strewn start, the weather not helping. 

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Missed penalty - Volavola (Fiji)

Brad Barritt is caught by the referee, the centre not rolling away, which gifts outside-half Ben Volavola a chance, but he hits the uprights. 

England 3-0 Fiji

England rumbling forward, but the ball has turned into a bar of soap. George Ford is the man whose handling lets him down this time and that gives Fiji a scrum on the halfway line. A solid platform for the men in white and we get first sight of Nemani Nadolo snorting down the wing...

Penalty - Ford

Fiji fold at the scrum, giving George Ford an early shot at the uprights. He's straight in the middle, 40m out, and that's a sweet strike. 

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England 0-0 Fiji

Drizzle makes for slippery handling and outside-half Ben Volavola takes his eye off the ball and fumbles, presenting England with a scrum inside opposition territory. An iffy start. 

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Kick-off

Toot! Jaco Peyper blows his whistle which, according the rules means the game is under way. Fiji kick-off deep into the English half. 

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The teams

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As the Fijians do their version of the haka, called the Cibi, we'll remind you of the line-ups. 

Tearful anthem

And there we have it - first tears of the evening as salty drops flow down Nemani Nadolo's cheeks. A rousing rendition of God Save the Queen, too. The rain not dampening the English spirit. 

One minute until we kick-off... deep breaths...

Three minutes to kick-off

The players trot out and fireworks light up the sky... sparkling atmosphere at Twickenham as England's 15 best prepare to take on Fiji's 15 best. Let the anthems begin...

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Skipper's chance to shine

Matt Dawson

2003 World Cup winner

"Chris Robshaw doesn't get the plaudits of Sam Warburton, Richie McCaw or David Pocock, but this is his opportunity to step up."

Kick-off five minutes away

The players are in the tunnel. Captain Chris Robshaw closing his eyes as he prepares to lead his men out... The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge making their way to their seats, the Duchess exchanging words with Boris Johnson on her way to the super-posh seats. The pair giggle. 

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Fly-half options

Paul Grayson

Former England fly-half

"England have got two different fly-halves, which gives them the opportunity to change within their system. As an instinctive fly-half and decision-maker, more often than not George Ford makes the right decision on the field, he doesn't over-think things and looks so confident at this level. But if they decide to play the game a slightly different way, there's not much between him and Owen Farrell."

Celebrity spot

Britain's favourite Geordies are in the house. We're talking Ant and Dec, of course, and next to them is former Going Live presenter Andi Peters. The Rugby World Cup is better than the Oscars for celebrity watching. 

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England red-hot favourites

It's starting to rain in west London, which might reduce the chances of free-flowing rugby early on. England are expected to beat Fiji tonight whatever the weather as Stuart Lancaster's men have been in fine form on home turf over the last couple of years. 

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Fiji's danger men

Name: Niki Goneva

Age: 31

Caps: 35

Tries: 14

Who else could pose England particular problems this evening? Goneva scored 12 tries in 18 Premiership matches during the 2013-14 season and although last season was less spectacular, he is a player England must keep an eye on. 

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Eyes on the prize

The big names are in

Not many of the great and the good have turned down an opportunity to be at HQ tonight. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge? Tick.  Prime Minister David Cameron? Tick. Mayor of London Boris Johnson? Tick.  

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BBC Coverage

Just a quick reminder that there's live text and radio coverage available on this page with the BBC Radio 5 live crew adding the audio to these words. You can also get the line-ups, latest scores and results straight to your app, and there's more information on that here. 

Fiji's danger men

Name: Nemani Nadolo

Age: 27

Caps: 20

Tries: 15

Since arriving at their base in Weybridge, Surrey, the Fijians have rigged up a PA system to replicate the crowd noise they expect to encounter at Twickenham. Judging by the atmosphere at HQ at the moment, it better be loud.

Fiji's one to watch is undoubtedly winger Nemani Nadolo. Here's what All Blacks fly-half Dan Carter had to say about his 6ft 5in, 20-stone Crusaders team-mate: "Nadolo is bit of a freak. He's a huge man, but is also very skillful. He's a quality player and one to watch." Good luck Jonny May...

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Four years ago

Let's talk some rugby. Four years ago, England lost 19-12 to France in the quarter-finals, while Fiji failed to make it past the pool phase as a win over Namibia was followed by losses to South Africa, Samoa and Wales.

If the stats are anything to go by, the Fiji players love to take on and beat an opponent, but don't get too far. They will also need to improve their percentage of tackles won if they are to have any chance today.

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Fiji reining it in?

Fiji's reputation is for free-flowing rugby from all over the pitch, but their head coach John McKee is a set-piece specialist who has made them a more pragmatic force of late. 

Fiji recently won the Pacific Nations Cup and England lock Geoff Parling has described Glasgow Warriors lock Leone Nakarawa as "one hell of a player". One thing's for sure, the visitors won't care one jot about providing a spectacle this evening, for them it's all about making it as difficult as possible for the hosts.

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Clearly not everyone is enjoying the show - including former England hooker Brian Moore.

No doubt the groundsman was over the moon when they mentioned they'd be sticking a giant ball in the middle of the pitch with a load of burly men climbing all over it, but that's big events for you. We are about 40 minutes away from kick-off...  

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This may be treasonous Wayne...

Prince Harry and rugby's 'values'

Reuters

Time for the formalities. Here's Prince Harry, honorary president of England rugby, looking a bit Shoreditch with that scruffy beard of his but delivering a heart-felt speech. He reminisces about Mandela and Pienaar in 1995 and 'that' drop-kick in 2003, about the team-work required in rugby and the values it promotes. He looked quite emotional at the end of that. And apparently, the tournament has now officially begun. 

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AP

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We've now got some chaps trying to move this massive ball. One by one they remove the panels to reveal... look who it is, the William Webb Ellis Trophy, stuck on top of a pole. A young boy climbs to the top, sticks it in his mitts and raises it aloft. More World in Union, we'll have some rugby in a minute.

World Cup warriors

We have a giant ball in the middle of the Twickenham turf, and now a poem. World in Union now, the World Cup anthem, with some interpretive dance. A few old World Cup legends now, including Australia's Michael Lynagh, a winner in 1991, and Sean Fitzpatrick of New Zealand, a winner in 1987. South Africa's Chester Williams is also in the house, he won it in 1995. Lovely. Oh, and Martin Johnson, skipper of England when they won the thing in 2003.

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Opening ceremony

Five-four-three-two-one... The opening ceremony has begun and we're currently being entertained by a video of a young William Webb Ellis picking up a football and running with it... Nice. It's how the game started, of course. 

"Don't worry, Jonny, it'll never catch on," says a man who looks remarkably like Prince Harry. It is Prince Harry, back in the late 1820s... 

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Where are you watching?

Where are you watching?

Opening ceremony to start at 19:00 BST

Tom Fordyce

Chief sports writer at Twickenham

"Not to give you too much of an Opening Ceremony spoiler, but there is currently a 40-metre high laced brown rugby ball in the middle of the Twickenham pitch, which is itself broken into about 100 faux-tectonic plates. Oh - and three marching bands. Or one very big one marching in thirds."

Reuters

Karaoke at HQ

They thought they were attending a rugby match, the opening tie of the 2015 Rugby World Cup, but what the fans who have paid a hefty price for tickets didn't know was that they'd have to sing Neil Diamond's Sweet Caroline. If ever there was a song to rattle the Fijians...

Twickenham far from intimidating at the moment as 80,000 fans swing and sway and sing-along to a Diamond classic. 

Newspaper round-up

The Daily Express has called on England to "rekindle the Olympic spirit of London 2012 over the next six weeks". 

That's the Olympic spirit of London 2012 a few other home nations contributed to, too... Maybe Ireland will invoke the spirit of Henry Kelly...

Daily Express

Newspaper round-up

What have the national newspapers had to say about tonight's opener? The back page of today's Mirror has quotes from England captain Chris Robshaw, who wants to make "a lot of people very proud". 

You've already made us proud, Chris, just by being you...

Mirror

Prime seat in the house

Being a big cheese can help when it comes to getting tickets for the big games...

England on the right track...

Where are you watching?

90(ish) minutes until kick-off...

Close your eyes, take a deep breath... take it all in... the whiff of excitement, the smell of anticipation... beers sloshing, chariots swinging high, swinging low and anywhere else in between... 

BBC

Who will win the World Cup?

This next bit might help you before you vote. A total of 102 nations entered the tournament, but only 20 remain and of those probably half a dozen have a realistic chance of winning.   

New Zealand are the bookies' favourites. The All Blacks are the defending champions, they've played 47 Test matches in the last four years and won 42 (89%). Should everyone else just give up now? 

No, says former England international Jeremy (Jerry to his friends) Guscott.

"They won't be fully tested until the quarter-finals or potentially the semis, if they make it that far, so they will be vulnerable when they face their first real test," he says. 

To read what Guscott and BBC Sport's other pundits have predicted for the tournament click here. 

BBC Sport

Vote of the day

During this six-week festival we will witness bone-crunching tackles and super-human power, but who will triumphantly be holding the Webb Ellis Trophy aloft on 31 October? 

Will New Zealand defend their title? Or will it be Australia? Or England? Or South Africa? Or France... you get the drift. You can vote for your favourite on this page. Think, choose, click. 

There is a time limit, though, because voting will close at 19:30 BST.

BBC Sport

Robshaw's record-breaking shirt

I should perhaps note that the popular masks (18:23 BST) around Rugby HQ are of England captain Chris Robshaw, although everyone should now know what the back-rower looks like being as he's now on a par with the great Martin Johnson. In some ways at least... 

For those who don't know, England will be wearing red tonight while Fiji, occupying the home dressing home, will be in white.

Seeing double...

Tom Fordyce

Chief sports writer at Twickenham

BBC

"Who would have predicted this four years ago? Or even have recognised the man in question?"

Carnage at the Castle

Destruction was expected over these next six weeks as big-muscled behemoths crash, bang and wallop into each other, but no-one expected carnage at Cardiff Castle. 

England are hosts, of course, but matches will also be held at Wales' Millennium Stadium, although the Welsh seem to have over-inflated their rugby balls. 

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No bore draw, please

Manchester United and England midfielder Michael Carrick is expecting a home win tonight.

'A chance of a shower'

As the opening ceremony and first matches of the Rugby World Cup approach, BBC Weather's Ben Rich has taken a look at the weather prospects for the opening weekend. You could say he's done a weather forecast. 

He says: "There's a chance the weather can have a part to play today. There will be some showers and thunderstorms quite close to Twickenham and they should be fading away by the time the match gets under way - but there's a chance of a shower at the start of the match."

Click here to see the weather forecast for the first few days.

BBC

Get involved

Megaphones, helicopters, touts & BBQs

Tom Fordyce

Chief sports writer at Twickenham

"Shouty officials with megaphones. Helicopters overhead. Leery-eyed touts. Barbecue stalls set up in front gardens. Half-cut punters searching for lost pals. Crushed beer cans underfoot. Welcome to Twickenham. Welcome to the Rugby World Cup."

Boris and the 'Fun Bus'

This is what happens when too many beans are consumed during lunch. Actually, it isn't. Of course it isn't. It's London Mayor Boris Johnson getting as excited as the rest of us about the Rugby World Cup and packing down with World Cup winner Jason Leonard, whose nickname I'm told is the 'Fun Bus'. 

PA

A nation expects...

Strange goings on at Twickers

BBC coverage

How can you keep abreast of which way the oval ball is swinging? Thankfully, I can answer that question. 

There's live coverage on this page, which hopefully you know about, while you can also get line-ups, scores and result alerts on your app. (For more details on that click here.)

And there's live coverage on BBC Radio 5 live, which you can listen to via this page from 18:30 BST. Mark Pougatch will be the presenter of ceremonies until he passes the reins over to the commentary team at 20:00 BST. 

BBC Sport

Twickenham buzzing

Buzz. Ha. Get it. Nice one, Tom. England fans will be hoping they won't get stung tonight... (what do you mean I've ruined all the fun?)

With or without sugar?

Talking of cups of tea (this isn't just put together on the hoof, you know... well, it is and it isn't...) 

Anyway... As I was saying, the National Grid expect demand for electricity to soar across the UK during half-time, predicting a surge of 500 megawatts - the equivalent of 200,000 kettles being turned on at once. Remarkable.

What's the biggest peak recorded during a Rugby World Cup? It'll come as no surprise to learn it was during half-time of England's 2003 final with Australia when demand reached 2110MW (the equivalent of two million kettles being turned on). 

That's a lot of water and a lot of tea bags and, presumably, numerous trips to the lavatory.

BBC

England v Fiji (20:00 BST)

England, they're the hosts and once won the 2003 version of this tournament, kick-off proceedings against Fiji, the skillful yet unfancied underdogs from the Pacific Islands, at 20:00 BST. 

But that late(ish) start means we have oodles of time to chat about all things rugby, boil the kettle three or four times - just for fun - and take in the opening ceremony, too, which is set to start at 19:00 BST. 

Hop on board, let's lose ourselves in live sport along with the rest of the world.

AP

Hello!

It's the Rugby World Cup! And it's starting today! Why are we so excited? Because the curtain raiser between England and Fiji is merely hours away and this is the biggest sporting mega-show to hit these islands since the, erm, last sporting mega-show. 

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The waiting is over...

Four years of preparation; of sacrifice, of torturous training, of unwavering commitment, of aiming high and thinking big have been for this. 

Finally, the waiting is over and granite-jaw heroes from all over the world will soon showcase their talents: their speed, their power, their craft. 

How did we ever manage to wait so long for rugby union's latest super spectacle?

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