A superb first-half performance from England ensured that Stuart Lancaster's men triumphed 21-13 over Ireland in their final Rugby World Cup warm-up.

Just 13 days before England kick-off their tournament against Fiji at Twickenham, they outclassed Joe Schmidt's Ireland in the opening period, controlling the tempo with excellent set-pieces as Ben Youngs and George Ford looked particularly impressive.

Holding a 12-3 lead at the break, England relinquished control somewhat early in the second half, allowing Ireland to claw back into proceedings through Paul O'Connell's try.

The hosts withstood a tough examination thereafter, as they struggled to regain their earlier dominance.

However, Lancaster introduced a host of substitutes as the half wore on, and one of those changes – Owen Farrell – added two penalties late on to ease the pressure and ensure England go into the World Cup on a win.

England, disappointing last time out against France, made the ideal start three minutes in when May barged over in the corner after latching onto Youngs' pass.

Ford duly added the extras, with Ireland pulling three points back four minutes later through Jonny Sexton's penalty.

Youngs and Ford continued to dictate the tempo, and it was the latter who set-up England's next try – drifting an inviting cross-field kick to Anthony Watson, who out-jumped Simon Zebo to touch down.

Schmidt's men could not settle – their kicking-game nullified by England's high pressure – with Mike Brown dominating in the air when Sexton finally managed to loop a dangerous effort skywards.

May thought he had capped off another flowing England move to dive over for his second soon after, only for it to be disallowed for a forward pass in the build-up.

England had to withstand a glut of Ireland possession on the stroke of half-time following Brown's error from Sexton's chip, but the hosts held firm to go in nine points clear at the interval.

A Ford penalty extended England's lead shortly after the restart, only for it to be cancelled out by Sexton's second successful kick moments later.

Ireland were rewarded for their improved display when O'Connell scraped over the line, with Sexton converting to close the gap to two points.

Farrell and cross-code star Sam Burgess were introduced off the bench as England looked to see out the contest, and those changes paid dividends, with the former converting two late penalties to seal the victory.