Hodgson: Reasons to be cheerful

Stuart Lancaster's side were awarded three penalty tries by referee Romain Poite as their scrum pulverised their South Sea Island opponents, with captain Jordan Crane and Billy Twelvetrees also crossing for scores in miserable conditions.

Saracens prop Matt Stevens did his World Cup chances no harm with a very impressive display in front of watching England boss Martin Johnson, and man of-the-match Hodgson was full of praise for the Saxons forwards.

"It's was difficult but the boys did very well," Hodgson told Sky Sports 3.

"The ball was very slippery but we held on to it well and the forwards were outstanding.

"It makes the difference when you feel you are behind a pack that is dominating and you can dictate everything else.

"I don't think I have (played in a game with three penalty tries) but it goes to show how strong our front five and back row were, they worked hard in those scrums and we have worked very hard in that area since the Baa-Baas game."

And London Irish half-back Hodgson insisted that it was no distraction to have Johnson in the stands at Kingsholm.

He said: "From within we put a lot of pressure on ourselves. We all want to progress but this is a cohesive unit we have, and we are playing some good stuff."

Lancaster was understandably impressed by his side's victory, and has called on his squad to keep their focus ahead of next weekend's final against Canada at Worcester's Sixways ground.

He said: "The scrum looked after itself and we managed the game and the conditions well. Next week is the last game of the season for the guys and there is nothing better to play in. It's about a few good training sessions and making sure we are focused."