Samoa, for the third time today, give away a set restart for England for an infringement in the ruck. This one just yards from their line.
The errors pile up.
England can't take advantage as Harry Newman opts for a chip rather than a run into space, allowing Samoa to touch down behind their line for a drop-out.
Rugby royalty in attendancepublished at 15:00 Greenwich Mean Time 27 October 2024
15:00 GMT 27 October 2024
Steve Sutcliffe BBC Sport at the Brick Community Stadium, Wigan
One or two famous faces in the directors' box today. Former Great Britain and Wigan stars Martin Offiah and Denis Betts, who are royalty in these parts, are sitting about eight rows back. And by the looks of it, they are enjoying proceedings so far.
Current Wigan captain Liam Farrell is just over to his left, while moving across codes, Leicester Tigers head coach Michael Cheika is also present.
CONVERTED TRY - England 16-0 Samoapublished at 14:57 Greenwich Mean Time 27 October 2024
14:57 GMT 27 October 2024
George Williams (21 mins)
Image source, SWpix
Replays show that George Williams had broken the tackle, so had ever right to rise off the turf and make the final couple of metres to score England's third try.
Credit to Harry Newman for great work in the build-up too.
It's an easy kick for Harry Smith, he's now two out of three. It ain't bad.
England get another set restart while playing in the Samoa half. The visitors are making too many mistakes.
George Williams aims to make the best of the opening with a brutal run through the middle, he thinks he has touched down near the posts. The video referee is checking for double movement however...
Samoa get their hands on the ball for the first time, and almost make it count.
Captain Jarome Luai with a dangerous carry as they pry out left. Meeting resistance, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck aims a chip kick to the right on the fifth phase - only to see it cut out.
So far, this is much more the Samoa team who England beat 60-6 in the 2022 World Cup group stage, rather than the Samoa who beat England in that infamous semi-final.
'Fantastic start by England'published at 14:51 Greenwich Mean Time 27 October 2024
14:51 GMT 27 October 2024
Paul Rowley Salford Red Devils head coach on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra
This Samoa right-edged defence was poor two years ago, and on the evidence so far, it's still poor. They look really disconnected. It's a fantastic, disciplined start by England.
TRY - England 10-0 Samoapublished at 14:49 Greenwich Mean Time 27 October 2024
14:49 GMT 27 October 2024
Matty Ashton (15 mins)
Image source, PA Media
Four tests, four tries for Ashton.
Again England exploit what looks like a weak right side of the Samoan defence. Anthony Milford comes out of the defensive line to try and tackle Herbie Farnworth and ends up leaving a chasm in the back line.
Matty Ashton says thank you, and shakes off two tacklers as he pushes through the space to score England's second try of the game.
'Asiata looks out of his depth'published at 14:48 Greenwich Mean Time 27 October 2024
14:48 GMT 27 October 2024
England 6-0 Samoa
Paul Rowley Salford Red Devils head coach on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra
That try was really nicely constructed by England. The whole set battered John Asiata, who missed about three tackles. Kai Pearce-Paul's been in great form all season, and Herbie Farnworth stepped inside the last two defenders. Asiata at the minute looks out of his depth.