ENGLAND head coach Stuart Lancaster heaped praise on Chiseldon wing Jonny May after his try helped secure a 21-13 victory over Ireland in their final warm-up match aead of the Rugby World Cup.

Tries from former Royal Wootton Bassett RFC youngster May and Anthony Watson helped establish a 12-3 lead, before a third touchdown by May was disallowed for a forward pass and later a fourth by Richard Wigglesworth was also scrubbed off after a mix up between Chris Robshaw and Tom Wood.

RBS 6 Nations champions Ireland fought their way back into the match when Paul O'Connell crossed, but England open the World Cup against Fiji on September 18 and head coach Lancaster insists they are formidable opponents at Twickenham.

"I thought Jonny was excellent. Ireland are so smart in their kicking game, but sometimes he was up and sometimes he was back," Lancaster said.

"He showed real attacking intent. He put his hand up, but he's been putting his hand up throughout the summer camp."