But he was well supported by fly-half Flood, who is set to do battle with Owen Farrell for the Red Rose No. 10 jersey, who contributed 15 points.

Elsewhere a memorable week for Bath’s David Wilson was capped off in perfect style with a try as the Rec side beat Sale 31-10.

Wilson’s RBS 6 Nations hopes were given a boost midweek when he was added to Stuart Lancaster’s EPS squad to replace retired prop Matt Stevens.

And he crossed for one of Bath’s three tries as they ensured Sale’s dismal start to the season continued – departing fly-half Olly Barkley kicking 16 points.

There was more good news for England boss Stuart Lancaster with the performance of Courtney Lawes as Northampton beat Wasps.

Lawes made a try-scoring return to action last week in his first start since February and he backed it up an impressive performance – especially in the loose – in a 24-6 win over Wasps.

James Wilson scored two tries as he stepped into injured England full-back Ben Foden’s shoes with aplomb while Worcester Warriors heaped more misery on struggling London Irish, winning 35-11.