England return to winning ways after comfortable victory against Italy

England overcame early frustration to ease to a 41-18 bonus point victory over Italy at Twickenham in the Six Nations.

Anthony Watson scored either side of the half as England bounced back from last weekend’s defeat to Scotland with a comfortable six-try win.

Italy frustrated England in the opening stages of the first half and stunned the hosts when they crossed through Monty Ioane for an unconverted try inside three minutes.

The response from England was as expected and within ten minutes they led. An Owen Farrell penalty was followed up by a Jonny Hill try. The hosts forced Italy into scrambling defensively on their own try line before the Exeter Chiefs lock powered over.

The visitors levelled from the tee but fell behind after a moment of individual brilliance from Watson. The ball was played from left to right to the Bath winger who stepped inside and darted through a defensive gap to score.

Tries either side of the break took the game away from Italy and saw England widen their advantage to 16 after an Italian penalty had momentarily reduced the 12-point half time gap.

With the clock in red, Jonny May scored excellently with an acrobatic finish that may well go down as try of the tournament. Watson then intercepted a loose Italian pass after the break and was able to accelerate clear to run over 70 meters for his second. Both tries went to TMO but both were awarded by referee, Mike Adamson.

Jack Willis was introduced for his Six Nations debut on the hour mark and within minutes crossed to increase England’s lead to 34-11. However, the Wasps flanker was to be stretchered off three minutes later with a horrible looking knee injury sustained in a ruck.

Italy responded after a strong carry and a delightful offload allowed substitute Tommaso Allan to score and convert. The try was nothing more than a reward for the Italians who had made an impressive showing at Twickenham despite the scoreline.

The try turned out to be nothing more than a consolation for Italy whose hopes of any losing point were wiped when Elliot Daly wrapped up the win minutes later. England eased to victory, in the end, to ensure their Six Nations defence is back on track.

Kyle Sinckler says victory a ‘step in the right direction’

Sinckler returned to the starting 15 having missed the opener against Scotland through suspension after being cited for swearing at a referee in Bristol Bears win over Exeter Chiefs two weeks ago.

The Bears tighthead prop put in a Man of the Match performance and post-match revealed England’s win was a step in the right direction following defeat last time out.

He said: “We were very frustrated with the level of performance last week and knew we had to step up and play the England way. In terms of the intent and showing what it means to play for our country it’s a step in the right direction.

 

“Credit to Italy they were tough and never gave up. Their forwards carried well and their backs had energy which made it a tough match but credit to our lads who stuck in and got the win.

“We know there is still so much more we can give but this games done and we move onto the next.”

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