Italy vs England LIVE: Six Nations rugby final score, result and reaction from Rome today
Follow latest updates from Rome as Eddie Jones’ side win their first game of the 2022 tournament
England showed the ruthless streak demanded by Eddie Jones as they atoned for their shattering collapse against Scotland by outclassing Italy 33-0 at the Stadio Olimpico.
Jones had urged his team to “light up Rome” and in response they delivered a five-try rout orchestrated by man of the match Marcus Smith to inflict a 34th successive Championship defeat on the Azzurri.
England had stormed 21-0 ahead by half-time and Smith was at the heart of many of their best moments, but he truly shone when firing a superb missed pass to provide Elliot Daly with a simple try in the 45th minute.
And unlike at Murrayfield a week earlier when he was replaced in the 63rd minute to widespread puzzlement, there was no sign of George Ford arriving off the bench until late on and this time Joe Marchant made way.
Ben Youngs eventually joined him at half-back to equal Jason Leonard’s record as England’s most capped player on 114 appearances, with the round-three visit of Wales to Twickenham the likely setting for him to surpass the milestone. Follow the latest reaction from Rome:
Italy 0-33 England, 80 minutes
What can England produce as a final flourish? George Ford and Marcus Smith combine nicely, and Freddie Steward and Max Malins too.
Over to the left-hand side, has Henry Slade got the ball down? Damon Murphy has seen a grounding, but wants to check a potential knock on from Maro Itoje and the cleanliness of Slade’s place...
Italy 0-33 England, 78 minutes
Frustration for Italy! They begin to force England backwards but Giovnni Pettinelli detaches just as they do, and as the ball goes away from the number eight a slippery grab at the ball sends it forward. Knock-on! This looks set to be a nilling.
Italy 0-33 England, 77 minutes
Kyle Sinckler drives too soon. Free kick - another Italian scrum.
Italy 0-33 England, 76 minutes
George Ford is offside in midfield. Henry Slade is actually the England captain, it appears, and is warned by referee Damon Murphy. England’s discipline has not been strong this half.
Italy elect to take the scrum.
Italy 0-33 England, 75 minutes
Kieran Crowley scribbles furiously in his notebook as Italy win a scrum penalty in the England 22. Another chance for Crowley’s side to try and launch something from the five-metre lineout.
Italy 0-33 England, 74 minutes
Having copped such criticism for taking off Marcus Smith last week, it looks like Eddie Jones is keeping his fly-half on for 80 minutes this - George Ford steps in for Joe Marchant, which means England will have to reconsider their backline alignment. It looks like Ford and Smith may play as left and right play-makers for what remains, with Henry Slade out slightly wider.
TRY! Italy 0-33 ENGLAND (Kyle Sinckler try, 73 minutes)
An error in the Italian backfield and England have a fifth score! Leonardo Marin never looks settled under the high bomb that Marcus Smith sends to the heavens, and Ollie Chessum hurries forward to claim it.
Ben Youngs crabs across the pitch and whips a pass out the back to Marcus Smith, who waits and puts Max Malins through a half-hole. Kyle Sinckler supports, takes the offload, and scores beneath the posts. Smith converts with a drop-goal.
Italy 0-26 England, 72 minutes
Again English hands force the throw off the mark, and this time they win it back. Chance gone for Italy.
Italy 0-26 England, 70 minutes
Ollie Chessum nearly pinches another Italian throw, but the hosts do eventually spike the volleyball back their way. Kyle Sinckler is late in his jackal attempt, and is pinged for hands in the ruck. Italy kick to the corner. They deserve a try.
Andrea Zambonin is on for an Italy debut, a late call-up to the matchday squad with David Sisi, a former England Under-20 star, supporting his wife, who is in labour. Best wishes to the Sisis.
Italy 0-26 England, 69 minutes
Another holding on penalty. Marcus Smith rushes forward on his lonesome and is hopelessly exposed, Michele Lamaro latching over the top and rewarded. A few choice looks at his teammates from Smith, and they are returned. It just hasn’t quite clicked.
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