England 47-24 Italy: Hosts roar to Six Nations bonus-point win after Azzurri second-half capitulation

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Sky Sports’ James Cole assesses England’s win over Italy in the Six Nations and says their fluidity bodes well

England moved up to second in the Six Nations standings as they roared to an eventual 47-24 bonus-point victory over Italy at Twickenham after a second-half Azzurri capitulation.

An entertaining first half saw the sides trade tries through No 8 Tom Willis and wings Tommy Freeman and Ollie Sleightholme for England, in addition to Italy scores via full-back Ange Capuozzo and No 8 Ross Vintcent, with the visitors firmly in the contest at 21-17 by half-time.

Italy created a huge chance to edge in front at the start of the second period, but when they failed to take that they were ruthlessly punished by England, who scored quick-fire tries through Marcus Smith – on for Ollie Lawrence after nine minutes due to injury – and Tom Curry, before adding further efforts through Sleightholme again and flanker Ben Earl.

The victory pushes England above Ireland in the standings with one round to play, and leaves them one point shy of title favourites France.

Italy started well to carve out the first bit of attacking territory, but they were rocked when Willis went over for the opener in just the fourth minute as strong home defence forced scrum-half Stephen Varney to cough up the ball, with the hosts then countering at pace to score at the other end.

England No 8 Tom Willis forced his way over for the hosts’ opening try

Freeman was just denied in the 22 by Italy’s covering defence as England were energised by that early score, but two more entries in the 22 then came to nothing as attacks stagnated and Italy could clear.

In the 14th minute, the Azzurri were then suddenly level through sizzling full-back Capuozzo as he reached a perfect Monty Ioane chip ahead to score.

Italy’s Ange Capuozzo raced over for their first try, levelling up the contest

Paolo Garbisi produced a really poor place-kick miss with the chance to lead on 23 minutes, and Italy were made to pay four minutes later as Freeman got in for England’s second try after collecting a gorgeous Elliot Daly grubber-kick into space – the full-back executing it with the outside of his left.

Tommy Freeman scored England’s second in the corner off a superb Elliot Daly try-assist

Still, Italy fought back again as Capuozzo produced a trademark dazzling break from deep and found Vintcent in support – the back-row’s pace taking England and the whole stadium by surprise when he stormed through for a try to make it 14-14.

Sloppy Italy play saw them behind again soon after, though, as Sleightholme finished in the corner after the visitors got too narrow in defence.

Fin Smith converted well again for the full haul, but Garbisi narrowed that lead to four points shortly before the break with a penalty.

Ollie Sleightholme scored England’s third before half-time to edge them back into the lead

Three minutes into the second half, Italy created a huge try opportunity to lead, but instead of passing through the hands to score, a big miss-pass gave England the chance to run across and fill the gaps.

Italy’s profligacy was then punished as England scored twice in three minutes: first through the pace of Marcus Smith, and then through a close range Tom Curry pick-and-go after a rolling maul had made big metres in the 22.

Smith scored one of two tries in three minutes to kill off Italy early in the second half

Tom Curry’s try – so soon after Smith’s – was a decisive, hammer blow to Italy

Fin Smith converted both for a big 35-17 lead, and Sleightholme notched his second and England’s sixth soon after when stalwarts Maro Itoje and Jamie George roared forward on turnover ball and produced offloads – the latter a cutely disguised one out to the wing on his 100th cap.

Despite that try arriving in the 53rd minute, a lull in the scoring then came over the Test which became increasingly scrappy – centre Tommaso Menoncello adding a third Italy try in the 71st minute.

England would finish with the last word, though, as Italy sought to play from their own 22 in the final play but were turned over by Ben Curry, who passed on for Earl to score.

Itoje relishing Wales challenge in Cardiff | Lamaro: We need to stick together

England captain Itoje on ITV Sport…

“We wanted to get five points, as always with games of rugby we probably wanted to be a little more dominant and tidy up our defence a little bit. But we put ourselves in a good positions.

“We wanted to move the ball, find space, be a bit more aggressive with the ball in hand and we did today.

“We have to do what we have to do. Wales playing England in Cardiff is a massive game, I know from experience it’s a tough place to go.”

Italy captain Michele Lamaro to ITV Sport…

“We were very inconsistent. We lost a bit of consistency in the game, had brilliant moments but were switching off in some periods and at the start of the second half conceded two clear opportunities.

“Obviously they are a great team so they took it. We need to work on that, we need to stay together because we have another massive week and massive game.”

George reflects on his ’emotional, special day’

England’s George, who picked up his 100th cap, said to ITV Sport…

“I think we were happy with our intent to get our attacking game going. It wasn’t perfect but we’re really pleased with our intent to move the ball and get bums off seats. That’s what we tried to do.

“The first half was a bit messy but the first part after half-time is probably the blue-print of how we want to play.

“I said to myself I wanted to enjoy the whole week. It’s really emotional walking out with my daughter, that’s really special. The reception I had, I’ve loved playing for England and I really felt the connection with the fans today.

England hooker Jamie George led the side out with his daughter on the occasion of his 100th cap

“I felt like I still had a lot more to give to the shirt and the team, I feel really confident about where this team is going. We have an opportunity to win it next week.

“If I was going to lose the captaincy to anybody else I said I would love it to be Maro, I’m hopeful I’m supporting him in every way I can. With myself and the other senior guys, it’s a good leadership group we have going on.”

What’s next?

England complete their 2025 championship away to Wales at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff next Saturday March 15 (4.45pm kick-off).

Before that, Italy host Ireland in their final game of the championship as they play the first Test of three fixtures on ‘Super Saturday’ (2.15pm kick-off)

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