The Eagles ran in two tries either half but crucially allowed Los Teros back into the clash late in the game - having led 27-6 going into the last quarter - to offer the South Americans hope ahead of the second-leg next Saturday.

Scrum-half Tim Usasz, wing Kevin Swiryn and centres Junior Sifa and Alipate Tuilevuka all notched tries for the visitors while Uruguay fullback Jeronimo Echeverry kept his side in the contest with a try and 14 points with the boot.

"We are happy to win," said Eagles coach Eddie O'Sullivan. "But, honestly a bit disappointed that we gave up so many points in the last quarter. We would have liked to walk away with a larger point spread, but in the end are happy to take away the victory."

The aggregate winner over the two legs will qualify for the next Rugby World Cup in New Zealand and will line up alongside Australia, Ireland, Italy and another European qualifier in Pool C.

It was a first appearance for the England fly-half since he ruptured an Achilles tendon in the Heineken Cup semi-final against Cardiff in May and he contributed to Leicester's win by kicking two late penalties.

"It was strange having to get my head around the calls again but the fun part was running around again with the guys after such a long time out," Flood said. "I think the Achilles is all right. I didn't even think about it during the game. I felt confident and, if anything, being involved in a game makes you think about it even less.

"It's been a hugely frustrating period and a bitter-sweet thing. You know you are always going to come back and there is light at the end of the tunnel. At the same time there are those dark days and troubled moments where there doesn't seem to be any movement and you are battling on with it for a couple of weeks and it seems pretty stagnant."

Foden was available after being left out of England's 22 for their Test against Argentina at Twickenham. And the 24-year-old responded with a couple of game-changing breaks which created tries for Chris Ashton and Bruce Reihana as Northampton made it two wins from two in the competition.

"There is nothing else he can do except, when he has an opportunity to play, play well," Mallinder said. "I don't think Martin Johnson would have been watching this game but Ben is playing well for us and that's all he can do.

"He's a little bit frustrated but he has to be patient. They (England) have had an opportunity to watch him before the autumn internationals and they have made their decision. But it will probably need an injury for him to find his way in for next week."

The Japanese tries came from Michael Leitch, Takashi Kikutani, Go Aruga, Hirotoki Onozawa, Alisis Tupuailei and Shota Horie while Shaun Webb kicked their goals, while Nathan Hirayama scored Canada's only try in a disappointing performance.

Sir Tasker was born in Nelson, Caerphilly, was awarded the Victoria Cross in 1945 following his outstanding bravery and leadership during World War II. He went on to become an eminent judge and was president of the WRU from 1993 to 2004. Knighted in 1971, he also became deputy lord chief justice of England and Wales. He died in 2007.