England vs Italy LIVE rugby: Six Nations 2023 result and reaction to first win of Steve Borthwick era

Steve Borthwick’s side outclassed the Azzurri to earn their first win of the new era at Twickenham

Six Nations week one round-up: England struggle as Ireland make statement

England delivered a performance of ruthless efficiency and forward power to overwhelm Italy 31-14 on Sunday for a five-try bonus-point victory that got their Six Nations campaign back on track after last week’s defeat by Scotland.

The hosts might not have matched the sparkling rugby seen in Saturday’s two matches but Italy could not live with their pack strength, particularly a seemingly unstoppable rolling maul, following coach Steve Borthwick’s promise to get back to basics.

Having won only one of their last six games at Twickenham, the home fans were not about to start complaining about style, though Borthwick’s decision to mix up his midfield looked a good one as man of the match Ollie Lawrence brought much-needed pace and intensity to the inside centre channel.

First-half tries for Jack Willis, Ollie Chessum and Jamie George put England 19-0 up at halftime. A penalty try earned the bonus point and though Italy crossed twice in a more evenly-balanced second half, England finished strongly with a crowd-pleasing finish by exciting replacement winger Henry Arundell.

Their 30th win in 30 meetings with Italy continued England’s stranglehold on the fixture and maintained their position as the only team never to have lost to the Italians since they joined the competition in 2000.

Six Nations 2023 - England vs Italy

• REPORT: England overpower Italy to kick-start Steve Borthwick era
• 51’ PENALTY TRY! Simone Ferrari to the sin bin as England maul does the trick again [ENG 26-7 ITA]
• 44’ TRY! Italy start the second half fast and Marco Riccioni cuts England’s lead [ENG 19-7 ITA]
• 37’ TRY! Jamie George adds to lead after smart work from Henry Slade [ENG 19-0 ITA]
• 29’ TRY! Ollie Chessum grabs his first England try [ENG 14-0 ITA]
• 27’ YELLOW! Lorenzo Cannone sent to the sin bin after driving before English feet hit the turf [ENG 7-0 ITA]
• 13’ TRY! England secure the ideal start as Jack Willis profits from a meaty maul [ENG 7-0 ITA]
• Six Nations bonus points system explained

[12 February 2023 15:37 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

England 14-0 Italy, 33 minutes

England have little appetite to play aimless phases, Owen Farrell kicking into the corner at the first hint of slow ball. Italy scramble back sharply in good number and clear to a similar position on the right touchline to where England started that last movement.

[12 February 2023 15:36 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

England 14-0 Italy, 32 minutes

Smart thinking from England, Freddie Steward pushed out to the right wing for the second time this first half to try and get after the significantly smaller in stature Ange Capuozzo in the air. Capuozzo does just enough in the air to win the ball back, but Italy make a mess of their clearance, resulting in an England territorial win.

[12 February 2023 15:34 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

England 14-0 Italy, 30 minutes

Two reasonably clinical trips to the Italian 22 from England, and the speed with which they scored there means the home side will have most of Lorenzo Cannone’s period in the bin to attack against 14. An aerial fumble from Italy grants them a scrum feed just inside their own half.

[12 February 2023 15:31 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

TRY! ENGLAND 14-0 Italy (Ollie Chessum try, 29 minutes)

And Ollie Chessum crashes over for his first England try!

Efficient enough from the hosts, Jack Willis showing well in the carry as Italy struggled to combat England’s heavy artillery. Genge is involved again, picking up from the base and releasing a lovely blind pass at the line to put his old Leicester front five chum through a gap.

Owen Farrell converts Chessum’s score.

[12 February 2023 15:31 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

England 7-0 Italy, 28 minutes

Nothing inventive from England, Genge carrying hard and then the rest of the forwards following their loosehead’s lead...

[12 February 2023 15:30 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

YELLOW CARD! Lorenzo Cannone is sent to the sin bin! England 7-0 Italy, 27 minutes

And there is the reach for the pocket from Doleman - Lorenzo Cannone drove before English feet were back to floor at the lineout, and he’ll have ten minutes on the naughty step to reflect on it.

England switch strategy - Ellis Genge taps and charges towards the left corner...

[12 February 2023 15:30 · Jack Rathborn]

England 7-0 Italy, 25 minutes

Italy's Ange Capuozzo, centre, tries to avoid being tackled (AP)

(PA)

Italy’s Sebastian Negri, right, holds off England’s Max Malins (AP)

(PA)

[12 February 2023 15:29 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

England 7-0 Italy, 26 minutes

Danilo Fischetti this time enters from the side - Federico Ruzza has taken over the Italian captaincy and is called into the headmaster’s office for a stern word.

James Doleman ignores Owen Farrell’s request for a card, but as England return to the corner, Italy will have to quell it legally or draw further sanction.

[12 February 2023 15:28 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

England 7-0 Italy, 25 minutes

Italy are penalised again at the maul, Niccolo Cannone changing his bind to stall it.

England into the corner once more.

[12 February 2023 15:27 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

England 7-0 Italy, 24 minutes

Michele Lamaro has soldiered on but is finally traipsing off - HIA is the call from the officials, with Manuel Zuliani on at least temporarily.

That’s Jack Willis at his best - other refs might have deemed his release unclear, but there is no doubting the strength of the openside’s jackal as he tackles, stays on his feet and draws a holding on penalty with hamstrings fully flexed. England back into the Italian 22 with possession for the first time since their opening score.