By NICK VERDIER
ENGLAND began the defence of their world crown in Georgia by scoring almost a point a minute in a 12-try demolition of Samoa on Wednesday.
The Pacific Islanders returned to the showcase event on the back of their success in the U20s Trophy last season – the tournament’s second tier – and the gulf in class against the reigning champions was obvious from the off.
England had the bonuspoint wrapped in just 21 minutes after Ali Crossdale, Zach Mercer, Max Malins and Alex Mitchell grabbed early tries.
Mercer’s second, allied to one each from Dominic Morris...