The vice-captain took over as his country’s greatest ever finisher in helping secure a best-ever finish as runners-up in last season’s tournament, and his late effort rounded off a convincing 57-12 home success.
It was not all plain sailing, though, Croatia taking a third-minute lead as prop Daniel Mau’u crossed, only for the hosts to edge ahead as Jack Tatu Robertsson converted a Elias Granath effort.
A double from Leicester Tigers loanee prop Ale Loman – who featured in the Premiership in the two weeks before his return to international action – extended the lead to 19-5 at Trelleborg Rugby Arena.
Croatia reduced the deficit in first-half injury-time as Andrija Galic dotted down, Jason Davor Newton on target from the tee.
Hosts race away after the break
But that was as good as it got for the visitors with Sweden pulling clear after the break.
Mathias de Chavaille crossed two minutes into the second period for 24-12, Tatu Robertsson bisecting the uprights after Aron Qvarnstrom, Vaa Iuta Fryxell, and Jonatan Hector went over.
A second from de Chavaille was also added to before Axel finished the job.
Sweden host Lithuania in their second game this Saturday.
*Lead photo from Sweden15s Instagram
