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 15:12 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

England 0-0 Italy, 11 minutes

Italy get a nudge on this time, but England extract it just in time. Jack van Poortvliet hopes to find the blindside vacant but finds Italian shirts in front of him, prompting another stab in behind.

Italy again cover it well. Goalline drop out.

[12 February 2023 15:11 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

England 0-0 Italy, 10 minutes

Down it goes as restlessness builds in the Twickenham crowd. A little too much time has been spent so far sorting these sorry set-pieces, which has denied both sides a chance to really get into the game.

[12 February 2023 15:10 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

England 0-0 Italy, 9 minutes

James Doleman really isn’t happy with the way Italy are setting up for the scrum - Giacomo Nicotera has withdrawn his brake foot and, having been warned earlier, is free kicked.

England fancy another go, taking the scrum option.

[12 February 2023 15:09 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

England 0-0 Italy, 8 minutes

Solid enough from Italy, allowing Stephen Varney to hook a clearance away. A decent chance for England to attack from here, though, a lineout 35 metres out.

No maul yet - England feign a drive and then pass into midfield, but a knock on ends any thought of building further.

[12 February 2023 15:07 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

England 0-0 Italy, 7 minutes

Another unsteady set-piece. Ellis Genge offers some advice to both the referee and Marco Riccioni on the Italian tighthead before they all squat down again for another push.

[12 February 2023 15:06 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

England 0-0 Italy, 6 minutes

Promising for England! Another forthright carry from Lawrence, this time arriving in a timely manager on the shoulder of his centre partner Henry Slade.

Then out the back, Owen Farrell looping and prodding a grubber through with Max Malins and Ollie Hassell-Collins in hot pursuit. Edoardo Padovani just about hurries back to quell the danger - Italy’s five metre scrum feed.

[12 February 2023 15:05 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

England 0-0 Italy, 4 minutes

James Doleman isn’t happy with the initial formation of both front rows, peeping them up for further instruction before directing them to pack down again.

Down it goes with England slightly in the ascendancy - Doleman blows more forecefully on his whistle and awards the penalty England’s way. Marco Riccioni deemed the cause of the collapse.

[12 February 2023 15:03 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

England 0-0 Italy, 3 minutes

Bosh! Ollie Lawrence into the game straight away, on the hard charge up the middle to set a platform. But England get over-eager thereafter, Ollie Chessum peeling an arm back to try and reel in an errant pass, and not quite managing to lock a great right paw around it. Knock on, Italy’s scrum virtually dead centre.

[12 February 2023 15:02 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

England 0-0 Italy, 2 minutes

A front of the lienout move from Italy, Michele Lamaro supporting Stephen Varney, who does well to remain in the field of play. England attack the next ruck hard, trying to drive Italy off it, but a strong carry from Sebastian Negri regathers momentum.

Or not! Danilo Fischetti diving off his feet to seal off - penalty to England after a strong first defensive effort.

[12 February 2023 15:01 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

England 0-0 Italy, 1 minute

It is Chessum who goes up and comes down, taking the ball nicely despite a slightly rocky lift.

Jack van Poortvliet clears to beyond halfway, but England are soon penalised, Chessum failing to roll away from a midfield ruck and causing Stephen Varney to take a hop. Tommaso Allan kicks down into the England 22.