The biggest upset in World Rugby Classic history slipped from Bermuda's grasp against England last night.

Leading 12-10 at half-time, the home team looked set to put one over on their star-studded opponents.

But England turned on the power in the second half and held off a late Bermuda rally to win comfortably in the end.

Bermuda's fate was sealed by two England tries just minutes after the interval, which put them in front for good.

First, speedy England back Peter Blackitt started the ball rolling his team's way with a breakaway try.

Picking the ball up just inside Bermuda's half, nobody laid a hand on him as he darted for the left-hand corner.

He was quickly followed over Bermuda's try line by Dave Cleary following a flowing five-man passing move by England's backs.

When the play broke down, the English forwards charged in and the ball was fed to Cleary who bowled his way over to make the score.

Bermuda replied with a try of their own, by John O'Kelly-Lynch, following a passing movement involving Serge Leibowicz, and Canadians Spence McTavish and John Robertson. But it was not enough.

England's Paul Simpson, one of the biggest men on the pitch, charged over for two tries in quick succession to put the result beyond doubt.

Most of Bermuda's best moves were inspired by the flame-haired dashing winger McTavish.

He ignited the crowd and inspired a mini Bermuda comeback late in the second half with a sparkling run down the left flank.

Picking the ball up not far from his own try line, McTavish sprinted 55 yards in a straight line before releasing the ball to a line of Bermuda backs to his right.

Now, just yards from England's line, they flipped the ball out quickly and accurately before Keiron Peacock went over to score which, with the conversion, put Bermuda only two tries from pulling level. It proved too little too late, though, as Simpson went over again for England to give England victory by 39-24.

Earlier, Bermuda took the lead after seven minutes through Gary Sheppard, who picked up a stray pass following a sweeping move involving Richard Raistrick and Brian Mewett.

After Bob Hesford levelled it for England and Dave Cleary put them ahead, Phil Heaney burst through the English defence and was not tackled as he scored a try, which he converted.