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
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.
England overpower Italy to kick-start Steve Borthwick era
England dismantled a disappointing Italy to give the Steve Borthwick era lift off with a 31-14 Guinness Six Nations victory at Twickenham.
Jack Willis was at the heart of a comprehensive bonus-point win, scoring the opening try and leading the defensive effort, two years after suffering career-threatening knee damage in the same fixture.
On that day his cries of pain rang out at an empty Twickenham after he was the victim of a ‘crocodile roll’ by Sebastian Negri, but that memory was swept away by leading the resistance against the Azzurri in his first start since an injury that forced him out for a year.
When the Toulouse flanker was replaced by Ben Earl in the 53rd minute, he had made 20 tackles, eight more than his closest challenger Kyle Sinckler.
Ollie Chessum, Jamie George and Henry Arundell crossed, in addition to a penalty try, to give Borthwick his first triumph since replacing Eddie Jones in December – his reign had started with defeat to Scotland.
PA
England overpower Italy to kick-start Steve Borthwick era
Jack Willis was at the heart of a bonus-point win in the Guinness Six Nations at Twickenham
Six Nations 2023: England 31-14 Italy
A much-needed win for England - a result to build a bit of confidence ahead of a trip to Cardiff in the middle week of the tournament. It wasn’t necessarily pretty from Steve Borthwick’s side: three of their five tries came from lineout drives, and another from forward pick and goes immediately after a yellow card, but the basics were good, which gives them a sound foundation.
Six Nations 2023: England 31-14 Italy - Ollie Lawrence reacts to win
“It was important today to make a big step from last week,” Ollie Lawrence says.
“We took a massive stride forward. We’re rebuilding as a team.
“I try to keep my head down, in the past I’ve been too tense, I relaxed here, the boys were behind me.
“First time back in the squad for a long time, hopefully we can continue.
“It’s surreal, we wanted to make the fans proud, more together, more energetic, it’s a pleasure to be back out there.”
England’s changes pay dividends
Two of Steve Borthwick’s big selection calls paid off - the midfield looked much more balanced, with Ollie Lawrence to the fore in the carry, while Jack Willis was superb in the back row, leading the way in the first half.
F/T: England 31-14 Italy
You could feel the crackles of anticipation among the home supporters every time Henry Arundell touched the ball this afternoon. Arundell took this try nicely in the corner, some English fans unable to contain their excitement as beer rained down on to the press box from the third tier.
F/T: England 31-14 Italy
Something to build on for England, never quite putting Italy to the sword but emerging as reasonably conclusive bonus point victors. The first win of the Steve Borthwick was forged in the basics, with England mauling and scrummaging well, controlling territory and taking their chances when they came. Italy showed much more of their threat after the interval, particularly in open spaces, but never quite looked like forcing the hosts to panic.
England 31-14 Italy, 80 minutes
That feels wise - another break in play allows Italy to take Polledri off and instead return Niccolo Cannone to the field, with Federico Ruzza pushed into the back row for the final scrum of the match.
England clear possession cleanly, and Owen Farrell sends us to a close with a punt into the second tier.
England 31-14 Italy, 79 minutes
Worries for Italy - both replacement back rows are forced off. Jake Polledri looks rather sore as he trudges for the touchline, with Manuel Zuliani sent away to join him after the independent match doctor calls him for an HIA.
Hang on - Polledri is returning! I’m not sure he is in a particularly fit state to engage in even the final throes of a game of test rugby, but back he comes to ensure Italy do still have 15 on the field.
England 31-14 Italy, 78 minutes
Now Capuozzo finds a gap! Crikey is he some runner out in the open, Ollie Lawrence beaten and burned in space with Owen Farrell forced to assist and drag Capuozzo down..
Lawrence gets his revenge, perhaps off his feet initially but nonetheless rewarded with the ball after jackaling. Moments after, Lawrence is named player of the match - a very effective return to the England midfield for the centre.
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