England, who won the inaugural world cup at Murrayfield in 1993, kept on course for a quarter-final spot with a 28-7 victory over Zimbabwe.

They were forced to come from behind after conceding a sloppy try, but rocked Zimbabwe with a blistering spell of three tries in as many minutes in the second-half.

England knew where the crowds support lay with the Argentinians in the crowd of around 20,000 jeering their every attack and cheering on the Africans.

Zimbabwe, who beat South Africa last year, struck after England conceded too many penalties as Karl Mudzamba broke through a couple of weak tackles to score under the posts. Anthony Papenfus converted.

But England's reply was instant as Lewsey made a devastating break in midfield and found Northampton's Grant Seeley who released Sampson to score his second try of the tournament. Sampson converted.

It was a different England in the second-half as London Irish flier Paul Sackey showed perfect timing to collect skipper Michael Friday's pass to score.

From the re-start, Saracens Ben Johnston kicked on a loose ball and collected it at the foot of the posts to grab his first try.

Replacement Thirlby took his tournament tally to two moments later - Sampson adding his third consecutive conversion of the half - to give England a comfortable win.

Coach Thompson said: ``It was another slow start, but all credit to the players because they really picked up the pace after Zimbabwe scored.

``I was very happy with our second-half performance and think the team are beginning to find their feet in the tournament.''

But New Zealand ominously clicked into gear as they became the first team to break the half-century barrier with a 52-0 demolition of Japan while Spain came from behind to beat Chile 10-5 in the other group game.

Wales were left fourth in the group behind the United States - their oppponents today - who claimed 19 points against Hong Kong without reply.

The group provided the best match of the tournament so far as Samoa twice fought off brave Portuguese fightbacks to run-out 33-19 winners, scoring five tries to take their tournament total to 12.