England vs Italy: Manu Tuilagi and Brad Shields both score twice in 57-14 Twickenham rout
Relive the action from the Six Nations clash at Twickenham
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.England got back to winning ways with an emphatic 57-14 rout of Italy to ensure that their Six Nations title hopes remain alive heading into the final weekend.
Both Manu Tuilagi and Brad Shields scored tries in each half, with Jamie George, Jonny May and George Kruis adding to the landslide seven-try victory, while Italy's two tries came through a first-half score from Tommaso Allan and a late consolation from Luca Morisi.
It means that England trail Wales by just one point going into the final weekend of the championship, although Wales will win the Grand Slam if they beat Ireland next Saturday. Should they slip up though, England can pounce and reclaim the title if they can beat Scotland at Twickenham.
Relive all the action below.
Please allow a moment for the blog to load.
18 mins: A whopping tackle from Genge on Bigi sends the hooker in reverse and Shields pounces on the ball with the prop. Farrell cries "Turnover sir! Turnover!' and Nic Berry duly obliges, giving England a pressure-relieving penalty.
21 mins: This one's been five long years in the making. England attack from left to right, and Manu Tuilagi runs through Esposito and shrugs off Campagnaro on halfway before going the distance to score his first international try since 2014! It's the third try and England are looking rampant here. Farrell converts. 21-7
25 mins: England break through Cokanasiga again at they're having huge success down the right flank. They quickly make ground up to the Italian 5m line, and Tebaldi is penalised for not rolling. With the bonus poiunt in sight, surely England will go for the kill?
Nope. Farrell points at the posts, the fans boo, and he kicks another three points. 24-7
30 mins:Italy win a penalty as Berry pings Curry for not supporting his weight. Allan kicks to touch and finds the 22, and Italy desperately need a response here.
30 mins: It doesn't come. Sigh. England wrap up the ball carrier as Launchbury gets through the heart of the maul and when it goes to ground, England get the put-in. Chance gone.
32 mins: Well it's taken just 31 minutes and 53 seconds for England to secure the bonus point! Tuilagi is wreaking havoc out there and with some nice footwork to fix Padovani, he breaks through the line and passes inside to Brad Shields, who holds off Hayward and scores his maiden Test try! Farrell maintains his 100 per cent record from the tee. 31-7
35 mins: Genge levels Parisse without the ball, and almost looks apologetic as the Italian captain looks up at him. It was deemed legal as Parisse was a dummy runner, but the ball is knocked forwards into Tuilagi's hands and England have the knock-on, as the advantage comes to nothing.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments