Saxons hit back to secure final spot

United States 17 England Saxons 56

The Saxons booked their place in Sunday's Churchill Cup final with a convincing defeat of the United States at Glendale, Colorado. It was their 13th win in a row. Stuart Lancaster's side conceded the game's first try but then never looked back, crossing the line seven times through Nick Kennedy, Micky Young, Rob Webber, Tom Guest, Tom Varndell, Brent Barritt and Noah Cato.

After debutant Stephen Myler had kicked a fifth-minute penalty, the Eagles hit back almost immediately when scrum-half Mike Petri went over for a try that was converted by Mike Hercus. However, Kennedy took advantage of shoddy American defending soon after to put the Saxons back in front and they went from strength to strength.

It was 28-10 at half-time, Young and Webber crossing the line, and the bonus point was secured six minutes into the second half by Guest, after Woods had intercepted and found him.

Four minutes later Varndell scored England's fifth try after neat handling from Nick Abendanon and Dominic Waldouck had cut the hosts apart.

Danny Cipriani came on for the Saxons and though Chris Biller pulled a try back for the United States, Cato wrapped things up by using his pace to score under the posts in the 74th minute.

*New Zealand will face an uphill battle to level the Test series against France in Wellington on Saturday after the visitors produced an outstanding defensive performance to win 27-22 in Dunedin at the weekend.