Rugby World Cup 2019: Ireland lay down marker, while England and Italy still to find top gear - in pictures

Eddie Jones' side labours to win against Tonga, the Azzurri fail to impress against Namibia, while the Irish overpower Scotland

Manu Tuilagi, right, of England celebrates scoring his side's second try with his team mate George Ford during the Rugby World Cup 2019 Group C game between England and Tonga at the Sapporo Dome in Hokkaido, Japan. Getty Images

England's Sam Underhill in action with Tonga's Sione Kalamafoni at the Sapporo Dome in Japan. Reuters

Tonga wing Viliami Lolohea, left, vies for the ball with England's wing Anthony Watson during the Pool C match at the Sapporo Dome. AFP

Tonga fly-half Kurt Morath kicks the ball during the Pool C match between England and Tonga at the Sapporo Dome. AFP

Fans await the start of the clash between Italy and Namibia at the Hanazono Rugby Stadium in Higashiosaka. AFP

An Ireland supporter gears up for the Ireland-Scotland game at the International Stadium Yokohama. AFP

Italy prop Marco Riccioni, centre, attempts to run with the ball against Namibia at the Hanazono Rugby Stadium in Higashiosaka. AFP

Chad Plato, centre, of Namibia celebrates scoring his side's third try against Italy. Getty Images

Italy lock Alessandro Zanni, centre, is tackled by Namibia players. AFP

Ireland wing Andrew Conway, centre, jumps for the ball in Yokohama. AFP

Ireland wing Jacob Stockdale, second right, runs with the ball at the International Stadium Yokohama. AFP

Ireland wing Andrew Conway scores a try against Scotland at the International Stadium Yokohama. AFP

Italy full back Matteo Minozzi, left, dives and scores a try at the Hanazono Rugby Stadium. AFP

An Irish fan enjoys the pre-match atmosphere at the International Stadium Yokohama. Getty Images

Tonga scrum-half Sonatane Takulua passes the ball during the match against England at the Sapporo Dome. AFP

Manu Tuilagi scored two tries as England began their bid for a second world title with an ultimately error-strewn 35-3 bonus-point win over Tonga on Sunday.

The result was never in doubt but England were far from their best and will need to improve against Pool C heavyweights France and Argentina, with captain Owen Farrell admitting: "We've still got a lot more in us."

Meanwhile, Ireland put aside their stuttering 2019 form with a convincing 27-3 victory over Pool A rivals Scotland to open their campaign in style.

Also, Italy coach Conor O'Shea said his team were "disappointed" with their start after they were forced to come from behind before registering a 47-22 triumph over lowly Namibia.

At the top of the page is a selection of the best images from Saturday's Rugby World Cup matches.

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