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As it happenedended1517763190

Italy vs England - as it happened: Eddie Jones' men see out seven-try victory in Rome

Re-live all the action from Sunday's Six Nations encounter

Jack de Menezes
Stadio Olimpico, Rome
Sunday 04 February 2018 15:34 GMT
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The Six Nations: in numbers

England begin their Six Nations championship defence against Italy at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, with Eddie Jones' side looking to become the first nation to win the title outright three times consecutively in its 135-year history.

Jones rolls the dice by naming Ben Te'o at outside centre ahead of Jonathan Joseph, despite the Worcester Warriors midfielder not playing since October and having just seven appearances to his name this season, Te'o is brought in to try and give England some power out wide, with Joseph among the replacements should the game open up late on.

Italy meanwhile will be led by talismanic No 8 Sergio Parisse, who wins his 130th cap today, while fellow veteran Alessandro Zanni starts at lock to win his 100th cap 23 months after his last international appearance. The gauntlet has already been laid down by Wales, who thrashed Scotland 34-7 in the Six Nations' opening game yesterday, while Ireland needed a late Johnny Sexton drop-goal from 42m out to beat France 15-13.

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We're all set up at the Stadio Olimpico to bring you the latest from the final Six Nations match of the weekend, and what a sight it is. After walking our way up from the beautiful city centre along the River Tiber, we've made our way to the press box to be greeted by one of the most picturesque views in world rugby.

Jack de Menezes4 February 2018 14:11
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Both teams are out warming up as the long shadow cast over the stadium just engulfs the entire pitch, with the sun disappearing behind the West Stand that we're located in. 

England are warming up in a rather Australia-like yellow kit, which I have to say I'm not a huge fan of...

Jack de Menezes4 February 2018 14:24
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30 minutes to go until kick-off and the stands are beginning to fill up - not that the stadium announcers realise that most of the seats are still empty as they scream at the top of their voices to try and build up the atmosphere.

I have no idea what they're saying due to my limited Italian, but the home fans seem to love it.

Jack de Menezes4 February 2018 14:28
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Italy head into the changing rooms much earlier than England, who remain out on the pitch for a long huddle that looks to be led by Owen Farrell. They eventually head in, and thankfully that'll be the last of those garish yellow jerseys that we see today.

Jack de Menezes4 February 2018 14:45
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The first rendition of Swing Low goes up around the stadium from a very healthy English contingent here, but they're soon drowned out by the cheers of the home. The teams start to emerge from the changing room, just as Eddie Jones makes his way up into the stands. Not long to go...

Jack de Menezes4 February 2018 14:53
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Out come the two teams, with Italy led by Alessandro Zanni as he collects his 100th cap. Time for the anthems!

Jack de Menezes4 February 2018 14:56
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Here we go! 10 seconds until kick-off...

Jack de Menezes4 February 2018 14:59
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KICK-OFF: ENGLAND GET THE GAME UNDERWAY!

Jack de Menezes4 February 2018 15:00
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1 mins: Italian No 9 Violi puts up the first high box kick and it's not one that Brown can take cleanly. the full-back, making his first appearance since suffering the head knock that left him with blurred vision three weeks ago, will be under close scrutiny today given the calls for Anthony Watson to start at 15, but his error is not punished as England win a penalty from the scrum and Farrell kicks to touch inside the 22.

Jack de Menezes4 February 2018 15:02
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3 mins: TRY FOR ENGLAND!

Jack de Menezes4 February 2018 15:03

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