How Twitter reacted: England v Fiji

Fiji winger Nemani Nadolo in action against England during the opening match between Fiji and England. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Fans on social media were quick to react to this morning's Rugby World Cup opener between Fiji and England, with many critiquing the commentary and referee's decisions.

As if there wasn't enough competition already, the 2015 Rugby World Cup kicked off with two rival hashtags competing against each other - #RWC2015 and #RWC0215.

Perhaps it could be blamed on the extended opening hours for local pubs?

Before the match started, many noticed England's red away jerseys appeared to have a certain sparkling quality to them.

Have England bedazzled their jerseys? #ENGvFJI #rwc2015

— Dana Johannsen (@djohannsenNZ) September 18, 2015

Not feeling the England away jersey. It looks like they are wearing red training bibs over their jerseys

— Deirdre Hussey (@DeeHussey) September 18, 2015

Decisions - or lack of decisions - made by the referees were discussed in length during the same, with some accusing the English of showing bias towards the Fijian side.

Haud on, the ref is just going to the TMO to see if Fiji were onside at the national anthems

— J (@johnab477) September 18, 2015

I hate being that dude who complains about the ref all game and blames a loss on it but man Fiji has had some tough calls in the first half

— Trent (@TrentKyle) September 18, 2015

Many Twitter commentators felt the TMO system was overused during the opening match.

Kris Bright wrote that there was, "No point having a referee at the #RugbyWorldCup2015 Just watch the big screen and make your decision then!"

With all the TMO interruptions this game will finish in 3 hours time. #ENGvFIJ #RWC2015

— Sanjay Patel (@spat106) September 18, 2015

Referee should donate his match fee to #TMO #ENGVFIJ #RWC2015 You have the whistle, make a decision!

— i, nvm (@nealvanmurf) September 18, 2015

No point having a referee at the #RugbyWorldCup2015 Just watch the big screen and make your decision then! Robbing a living

— Kris Bright (@brighty9) September 18, 2015

Fittingly, the game went on to end with a TMO decision - and the potential for sports writing cliches was duly noted.

Another unpopular aspect of the match was the ITV's commentary - with plenty of tweeters from around the Pacific expressing their displeasure with the English host's remarks.

Watching the Fiji vs SwingLow with mute on. These commentators need a clean tackle above the shoulders. #GoFiki

— hacked (@TofigaHacked) September 18, 2015

This is what my remote looks like (on the left)...how do I get rid of these British commentators? pic.twitter.com/QWAthEbpk3

— . (@chrislarsonf) September 18, 2015

Wondered what these two have been up to #RWC0215 commentators #muppets pic.twitter.com/z87YbhVzdm

— DJ Sir-Vere (O.N.Z.M) (@djsirvere) September 18, 2015

With Inverdale and Nick Mullins ITV aren't bothering with any semblance of balance are they?

— D G Ray (@DeloreanGray) September 18, 2015

It wasn't all complaints, of course.

@alandooney What bout this plum though Nick Mullins "They'll be back in Fiji around one television hoping the generator doesn't fail them."

— Paul Kehoe (@papak) September 18, 2015

Despite winning the match, England's performance was seen as unconvincing and average by many.

Well if that's all England's got then it may very well be Australia and Wales that go through #RWC2015

— WestSide 8345 (@tauhenare) September 18, 2015

And Jason Gunn is really, really sick of Swing Low.

Hey England. You know the whole 'Swing Low Sweet Chariot' song you sing EVERY 2 minutes...it's boring and repetitive...like your rugby!

— Jason Gunn (@jasegunn) September 18, 2015