England wingers Mark Cueto and Chris Ashton both scored a hat-trick of tries as the Six Nations champions thrashed Romania 67-3 in their Rugby World Cup Pool B match on Saturday.
Cueto was playing his first game of the 2011 tournament after overcoming a back problem as he and Ashton both benefited from England's expansive game plan that exploited Romania's narrow defensive screen time and time again.
England romped to a 34-3 lead at the break as Cueto and Ashton combined for five tries with Ben Youngs, Ben Foden, Manu Tuilagi and Tom Croft all scoring in the second half.
Jonny Wilkinson added a penalty and three conversions in the first half while Toby Flood slotted four conversions for England.
Romania first five eighth Marin Danut Dumbrava scored his side's only points with a first half penalty though he missed three other shots at goal.
England had talked about injecting tempo into their game and they did it from the off, the forwards working hard to create quick ball and the backs using it smartly.
"That's what happens when we keep hold of the ball and do the basics right," said England captain Lewis Moody.
"They were very physical and full credit to Romania but we had a point to prove to ourselves and we have gone some way to doing that."
Scorers
England: Tries: Chris Ashton (3), Mark Cueto (3), Tom Croft, Ben Foden, Manu Tuilagi, Ben Youngs. Conversions: Toby Flood (4), Jonny Wilkinson (3). Penalties: Wilkinson.
Romania: Penalties: Marin Danut Dumbrava.
Referee: Romain Poite (France).
