Saracens’ Owen Farrell kicked two penalties to help send England into the World Cup off the back of a 21-13 victory over Ireland at Twickenham on Saturday.

The fly-half replaced his direct rival for the number ten jersey, George Ford, after an hour and did as much as he could to impress head coach Stuart Lancaster ahead of the Red Rose’s tournament opener against Fiji in 12 days’ time.

England, following defeat to France in Paris last weekend, were looking to avoid going into the competition off the back of consecutive losses and did so thanks to tries from Johnny May and Anthony Watson.

Those scores had England 12-3 ahead before May saw a second try disallowed for a forward pass.

Ford kicked England 15-3 in front before Ireland reduced the deficit, Paul O’Connell going over and Johnny Sexton converting and subsequently adding two penalties of his own.

Farrell them came on in the second period and twice kicked three points to wrap up the win for Lancaster’s side.

Brad Barritt started for the Red Rose with Jamie George, Mako Vunipola, Billy Vunipola and Richard Wigglesworth coming off the bench.